Pennsylvania to Spend $1M for Redevelopment of Arm

Harrisburg, PA, November 6, 2006--Governor Edward G. Rendell announced a $2.6 million investment through Growing Greener II that will help finance nine major brownfield redevelopment projects in Pennsylvania, including $1 million to support construction of new housing and a community recreation complex at the former Armstrong World Industries manufacturing site in Lancaster. Governor Rendell designated the Armstrong World Industries site for Brownfield Action Team assistance in February. BAT accelerates redevelopment deals and gives investors the incentive they need to clean up contaminated industrial sites. BAT projects typically get permitted in half the usual time. Plans call for replacing vacant industrial buildings with a mixed-use neighborhood anchored by Lancaster General Hospital. The area will include an athletic and recreational complex to be developed by Franklin & Marshall College, with facilities available to the public. The project enjoys considerable local support. Armstrong World Industries committed $8 million to modernize its manufacturing operation in Lancaster, retaining 250 jobs, and $6 million to the overall redevelopment project. Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster General Hospital each pledged $6 million. Governor Rendell is providing $1 million to EDC Finance Corp. for environmental remediation of a 45-acre portion on the 65-acre Armstrong World Industries site. The total project cost for the remediation is estimated at $2.1 million. "Governor Rendell is delivering on his promise to transform today's abandoned industrial sites into tomorrow's economic opportunities, strengthening communities and improving quality of life," said Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty, who delivered the funding along with officials from the Department of Community and Economic Development. "Cleaning up brownfields enhances our competitiveness and helps us win the race for new development." The funding is part of Governor Rendell's Growing Greener II initiative to address some of the state's most pressing environmental problems and help the commonwealth win the race for new development and job creation. The voter-approved Growing Greener II plan invests $625 million to clean up rivers and streams; protect natural areas, open spaces and working farms; and shore up key programs to improve quality of life and revitalize communities across the state.