Project Studying College Use of Armstrong Plant Re

Lancaster, PA, January 24--A study to explore how Franklin & Marshall College might re-use most of the Armstrong World Industries floor plant has gotten the state's support, according to the Lancaster New Era. The Commonwealth Financing Authority on Wednesday approved a $175,000 planning grant to examine the environmental status of the city property, possible re-uses of the buildings and other issues. Armstrong intends to give F&M about two-thirds of the property, which the company will no longer need as it stops making commercial flooring there by May 2006. The move will eliminate 450 jobs. F&M, whose campus adjoins the Liberty Street floor plant property, is eyeing the 45 acres for administrative offices and other kinds of redevelopment, such as retail, residential and recreational uses. Assisting the redevelopment is the Economic Development Co. When Armstrong, F&M and EDC announced the proposal in December, they said they would seek a state grant to fund a study of key issues. The grant to the EDC Finance Corp. will pay for an environmental assessment and remediation plan, a building re-use and demolition study, development of a master plan for the site and a marketing study. The local project was among 14 projects awarded $43.6 million in grants and loans Wednesday by the authority, through the state's "Business in Our Sites" program. The program is part of Gov. Ed Rendell's economic stimulus package.