Governor Josh Shapiro announced Tuesday that the Commonwealth is investing $64 million in the first 11 projects selected through the new PA SITES program. The initiative aims to boost Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness by preparing shovel-ready industrial sites that attract companies, generate investment, and create well-paying jobs.

One of the projects receiving funding is the Bedford County Business Park III, which will receive $2.8 million to prepare two areas within a 151-acre site. The development will include nine lots ranging in size from just over 1 acre to nearly 21 acres. The funding will help extend water and sewer infrastructure and grade the land to make it construction-ready.

Today, I'm announcing the first investments as part of PA SITES — $64 million for 11 projects that will create jobs, develop shovel-ready industrial sites, and attract business to Pennsylvania.

When I took office, I said it was time for Pennsylvania to compete again. These sites…

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) May 6, 2025

 Bette Slayton, President and CEO of the Bedford County Development Association, welcomed the news and emphasized the urgent need for more industrial space in the region.

“This investment comes at a critical time. Our first two business parks are nearly full, and the lack of shovel-ready sites has limited our ability to support business expansion and attract new employers,” said Slayton.

The PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) program was developed following input from national site selection experts. It is a central pillar of the Governor’s economic development strategy. In the bipartisan 2024-25 state budget, the Shapiro administration secured $500 million for site development, including $400 million dedicated to PA SITES.

Besides Bedford County, other counties receiving grants or loans include Philadelphia, Berks, Bucks, Cumberland, Franklin, Fayette, Dauphin, Luzerne, Washington, and Westmoreland. Highlights include:

• Philadelphia: $30 million to develop the Navy Yard Greenway District, targeting advanced manufacturing and life sciences.
• Cumberland County: Over $10 million to remediate and redevelop the former Frog Switch & Manufacturing Company site.
• Franklin County: $4.6 million to subdivide and prepare lots at the Wharf Road Industrial Park for advanced manufacturing.

“If we want to compete and create opportunity, we have to invest,” said Governor Shapiro. “These sites are critical to growing our economy, supporting our communities, and ensuring Pennsylvania can compete – and win – in the race for jobs and innovation.”

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will continue accepting applications on a rolling basis. A second round of awards is expected later in 2025.

Through PA SITES and other initiatives, Governor Shapiro’s administration is working to make Pennsylvania more business-friendly. The state has already generated over $3.7 billion in private investment and created more than 5,000 new jobs. The administration has also cut business registration wait times and proposed corporate tax cuts to make the Commonwealth more competitive.