Senator Joe Pittman and Representative Jill Cooper have announced that the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has awarded a PA SITES grant of nearly $7 million to the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) Southwestern Pennsylvania Growth Fund. The funds will be used to rehabilitate buildings 37 and 38 at the New Kensington Advanced Manufacturing Park, formerly an Alcoa manufacturing site.
The project aims to transform approximately 130,000 square feet of space for business operations within the 70-acre park. Representative Cooper emphasized the importance of this funding in fostering economic growth and job creation in the region. “RIDC is working to transform this site into a modern, dynamic place for business to take root and grow,” she stated. “This funding will allow RIDC to continue to pave the way for new businesses in our region, boosting our economy, and more importantly, providing more family-sustaining jobs for our residents.”
Senator Pittman expressed satisfaction with the allocation of funds as part of last year’s state budget. “As part of the overall state budget which I voted for last year, I am pleased to see these funds returning to northern Westmoreland County for a significant economic development project,” he said.
PA SITES is designed to develop shovel-ready industrial sites across Pennsylvania, aiming to attract businesses and create well-paying jobs. The program provides planning grants for feasibility studies and construction grants or loans for strategic investments. Award decisions are based on competitive analysis considering factors such as applicant need, marketability, alignment with Pennsylvania’s Economic Development Strategy, and regional priorities.
