Governor Josh Shapiro joined DRIVE Industry, Focus Central Pennsylvania, and local leaders to announce a $5.7 million investment into the development of a new pad-ready site to help attract businesses to Northumberland County, through the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) program.
DRIVE Industry, a local economic development entity serving Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties in Central Pennsylvania, will use funding from the Shapiro Administration for construction, engineering, and administrative costs to support the development of more than 100 acres for the Point Township Industrial Site.
“From day one, I’ve worked hard to make Pennsylvania a national leader on economic development, to attract new businesses, create jobs, and expand economic opportunity not just in our cities – but in our rural and suburban communities, as well. Developing this new site is the next step in growing this region’s economy and ensuring more Pennsylvanians are given real opportunities to chart their own course,” said Governor Shapiro.
DRIVE has already invested $4 million to acquire the over-100 acre plot, and will complete the required earthwork, grading, relocation of utility poles, installation of a 125,000-gallon water tank, and conduct the required studies for environmental permitting for an on-lot septic system — as the land currently lacks access to public water and sewer.
“This site offers a strategic location and a highly skilled workforce—characteristics that make it very attractive to businesses looking to grow in Pennsylvania. We will continue to make investments that create more good-paying jobs, improve quality of life, and strengthen our economy for years to come,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger.
Once complete, Point Township Industrial Site will be pad-ready for manufacturing or industrial development and serve to attract new employers, expand economic opportunity, and create new jobs for Pennsylvanians.
“This investment by the Commonwealth is a game changer for this property. Ready sites translate into capital investment which creates jobs and builds regional prosperity,” said Jennifer Wakeman, Executive Director of DRIVE Industry. “The PA SITES funds are exactly what we need to bring this site to its full potential.”
