HARRISBURG — Major economic development projects in Luzerne and Schuylkill counties were awarded more than $14.5 million in state funding from the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program (PA SITES), according to Rep. Dane Watro (R-116), Rep. JoAnne Stehr (R-107) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29).
The Greater Hazleton Community-Area New Development Organization (CANDO) was awarded more than $11.4 million to develop a 150-acre site in the Humboldt Industrial Park Northwest in Hazle Township. A $6.3 million grant and more than $5.1 million loan will support the development of five parcels. Funding will be used for site preparation, utility extensions and stormwater management. This project marks the largest PA SITES investment across the commonwealth this funding cycle.
The Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) has been awarded more than $3.1 million to improve a 26.4-acre parcel in the Highridge Business Park in Foster Township. A more than $1.5 million grant and more than $1.5 million loan will fund a geotechnical study, clearing and grading, utility extensions, stormwater management, paving and curbing.
“We are grateful to Sen. Argall and Rep. Watro for their leadership and support of this investment in Greater Hazleton,” said Joseph Lettiere, president and CEO of CANDO. “We are also appreciative of Gov. Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the continued commitment to economic development across the commonwealth and for recognizing our community’s readiness to deliver projects that generate lasting economic impact.”
“This investment represents a transformational step forward for Schuylkill County,” said Frank Zukas, president of SEDCO. “By advancing critical improvements at Lot 12 in Highridge Business Park, we are converting a 26-acre parcel into a fully developed, pad-ready site capable of attracting quality employers and creating family-sustaining jobs. This strategic investment positions Foster Township — and our entire region — for long-term economic growth and competitiveness. We are sincerely grateful to the commonwealth for its continued commitment to economic development in Schuylkill County, and we extend our appreciation to our local legislative delegation for their strong advocacy and support in helping bring this project to fruition.”
“Developing Humboldt Industrial Park Northwest is another critical step for the future of the Greater Hazleton area,” Watro said. “By expanding our industrial capacity, we are not just preparing sites for world-class companies — we are creating thousands of family-sustaining jobs and strengthening the economic backbone of our region. I am proud to support initiatives that revitalize our local infrastructure and ensure that the 116th District remains a premier destination for manufacturing and logistics for years to come.”
“Ensuring sites are ready for development strengthens our local communities’ ability to attract new employers and the jobs that follow,” Stehr said. “By investing in site readiness, we are demonstrating that these communities are prepared to compete for business growth and long-term economic opportunity.”
“I am pleased that CANDO and SEDCO have been awarded this highly competitive funding,” Argall said. “As we recently saw in Lehigh County, pad ready sites can attract billions of dollars in investments to our commonwealth. These awards position both Luzerne and Schuylkill counties to attract new employers, support our existing businesses and create family-sustaining careers for residents. By preparing these sites now, we are sending a clear message that northeastern Pennsylvania is open for business and ready to grow.”
PA SITES was created by the General Assembly to provide grant and loan funding to eligible applicants to develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within the commonwealth. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
CONTACTS:
Chris Comisac (Watro)
Will Jones (Stehr)
Seth Hubler (Argall)