Dallas Township, PA -
Governor Edward G. Rendell stressed the importance of investing in projects that create jobs and strengthen communities today as he announced support for three projects in Luzerne County that will generate $11.6 million in total investment and create more than 490 jobs.
The Governor said recent unemployment numbers underscore the need for government to continue to be proactive. He cited figures that showed Pennsylvania's economy shed 30,500 jobs in March and more than 132,800 jobs in the last year.
“Despite this challenging economy-or, rather, because of it-we cannot sit idly by hoping that things will improve,” said Governor Rendell. “We must use all of the tools at our disposal to help create and protect jobs, leverage private investments, and position the commonwealth for success when the economy does turn around.
“These three projects I'm announcing today illustrate the type of investments we need -in our workforce, our communities, and our employers-so that we can stimulate the economy and hasten a lasting and sustainable recovery.”
The following projects were announced today by the Governor:
Misericordia University will receive $2.75 million in state assistance to expand its College of Health Sciences by acquiring the former Frontier Communications building and converting it into a multi-purpose community and academic resource. The $5.5.million project, which will also significantly improve the energy efficiency of the 57-year-old building, is expected to create 25 full-time jobs and an estimated 57 construction jobs.
Quietflex Manufacturing Co., which makes flexible air ducts for HVAC systems, will receive 236,550 in state assistance to establish a manufacturing facility in Pittston. The plant, which is already in operation, will create at least 59 jobs within three years. The total project cost is $1.1 million.
Home Depot will receive $1.35 million in state assistance to establish a distribution facility in Pittston Township to serve the company's retail stores in the Northeastern U.S. The $5 million project will create at least 350 jobs within three years.
The Home Depot and Quietflex Manufacturing projects were coordinated through the Governor's Action Team, economic development professionals who serve as a single point-of-contact for businesses that are considering locating or expanding in the state.
Since Governor Rendell took office in 2003, GAT has successfully completed 1,130 projects, resulting in commitments to create 121,140 new jobs and retain 287,955 existing positions. The commonwealth has offered more than $2.1 billion in assistance for these projects, which will leverage more than $15 billion in additional investment.
For information on the Governor's Action Team, visit www.NewPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.
For more information and details on Governor Rendell's 2009-10 budget proposal to provide relief to struggling families and spark an economic recovery, visit www.pa.gov.
