ICYMI: Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy Results in Over $350 Million in New Private Sector Investment in December Alone, Helping Create Over 5,000 New Jobs[...]

Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania's economy remains one of the strongest in the nation - and the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy.

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have competed for and won over $35 billion in private sector investments that are creating more than 18,000 new jobs and driving economic growth across the Commonwealth.

Harrisburg, PA - This month, Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration announced several major economic development projects across Pennsylvania, securing hundreds of millions of dollars in private sector investments that will create thousands of good-paying jobs in communities throughout the Commonwealth. Since taking office, the Governor has prioritized making Pennsylvania more economically competitive - attracting over $35 billion in private sector investment, creating more than 18,000 new jobs, and driving economic growth across the Commonwealth.

From launching Pennsylvania's first Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades - focused on key sectors like agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and technology - to supporting local and global companies looking to grow here, the Shapiro Administration continues to demonstrate that Pennsylvania is open for business.

Projects announced this month include:

• Revitalizing Pittsburgh with the Esplanade Development Project: Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis broke ground on the Esplanade Development Project, which is projected to support 9,300 construction jobs, 4,500 permanent jobs, and generate $1.5 billion in economic output. The Shapiro Administration is investing $35 million through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Fund. Once completed, Esplanade will include up to 750 apartments, green space, 160,000 square feet of retail, a Ferris wheel and splash park, a hotel, marina, entertainment venues, and more - supporting the revitalization of Downtown Pittsburgh happening across the river.
• Securing Investment from Farm Plast: The Shapiro Administration secured an $8 million investment from Farm Plast to establish its first Pennsylvania manufacturing facility in Muncy, Lycoming County. Through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, Farm Plast received a $3.5 million loan and a $500,000 Pennsylvania First grant to support the development of a 200,000-square-foot facility, creating 69 new jobs.
• Investing in DrinkPAK's Flagship East Coast Facility: With support from a $2 million Pennsylvania First grant, the Shapiro Administration secured a $195 million investment from DrinkPAK to establish its flagship East Coast manufacturing facility in Philadelphia, creating 174 new jobs over the next three years.
• Expanding Calgon Carbon Corporation's Manufacturing in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania beat out six other states to secure a $13.2 million investment from Calgon Carbon Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of activated carbon filtration products for air and water treatment. The Shapiro Administration is investing $300,000 to support expanded operations at two Pittsburgh-area facilities, creating 23 new, high-paying jobs over four years while retaining 405 existing positions.
• Growing Pennsylvania's Life Sciences Industry with Eurofins Expansion: The Shapiro Administration secured a $147.5 million investment from Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories to expand its Pennsylvania operations. The Commonwealth is investing $2.1 million in the project, which will create 250 new jobs over the next three years and retain 3,080 existing positions. Once complete, Pennsylvania will be home to the largest Eurofins site among its more than 950 global laboratories and one of the largest biopharmaceutical testing facilities in the world.
• Designating New Main Streets in Adams and Montgomery County: Gettysburg and the City Ave District in Montgomery County and Philadelphia received Main Street designations through the Main Street Matters program, making each eligible for up to $225,000 in funding and free technical assistance to implement approved five-year revitalization strategies focused on walkability, economic vitality, greenspaces, and redevelopment of underutilized properties, with Gettysburg also prioritizing historic tourism and neighborhood connectivity in Olde Getty Place.
• Improving Lives and Revitalizing Neighborhoods through NAP: The Shapiro Administration announced the approval of a $70 million investment to support 405 projects across Pennsylvania. Through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on contributions they make to a qualifying project, revitalizing communities and delivering meaningful benefits for Pennsylvanians and their families.

Read what business owners, elected officials, and economic development leaders are saying about these investments:

Eric Lomak, General Manager, Farm Plast: "Farm Plast is moving full steam ahead with its new manufacturing facility in Muncy, producing high-quality, American-made products and creating jobs in the great state of Pennsylvania. We plan to breathe new life into the empty warehouse that has long been forgotten and we are incredibly grateful for all the support we received from DCED and Governor Shapiro."

Roberto E. Perez, CEO, HRP Group: "Welcoming DrinkPAK to the Bellwether District marks a major milestone in the transformation of this iconic site into a 21st-century sustainable ecosystem for the region. DrinkPAK's decision to locate in Philadelphia is a powerful validation of the City and Commonwealth's unparalleled advantages paired with our mission to reimagine strategic real estate as the economic engines of tomorrow."

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker: "From day one, my administration has been clear - Philadelphia is open for business. DrinkPAK choosing to build its flagship East Coast facility in Philadelphia at the Bellwether District, bringing high-quality manufacturing and construction jobs to our City in a very competitive process, is proof that our strategy is working. Philadelphia is a clear destination of choice for business. This only happens because of exceptional intergovernmental and public/private cooperation. I applaud Governor Shapiro's leadership, and I thank Roberto Perez and the HRP Group for their continued partnership and investment in our city's future. DrinkPAK's arrival is more than a milestone - it's a signal that Philadelphia will be at the center of the next chapter of American manufacturing."

Neal Salerno, Senior Vice President, Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing, NA: "As one of Lancaster County's largest employers, we are proud to expand our capacity and services for our global clients while offering outstanding career opportunities. This growth reflects the dedication and expertise of our team in building strong partnerships with the clients we serve. We are grateful for the support of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Eurofins Scientific's commitment to funding growth that strengthens customer service and further expands the world's most comprehensive testing network. Our long-term investments in this space set us apart and open exciting opportunities for the future."

Ezra Rothman, President, EDC Lancaster County: "Eurofins' evolution from a locally rooted laboratory into a world-class leader in biopharmaceutical, environmental, and food testing demonstrates how collaboration between Lancaster County businesses and local educational institutions can strengthen efforts to develop and retain top talent, drive innovation, and compete successfully on a global scale. EDC Lancaster County is proud to support both Eurofins' physical expansion here in the county, as well as its continued growth as a global leader in the life sciences sector."

Senator Vincent Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair: "I'm proud to see City Avenue get the recognition and investment it needs from the state's Main Street Matters program. This part of the city is already a major hub and home to many small businesses, but I know we can make City Avenue an even better place to work, live, and enjoy. New retail and dining options, improved infrastructure and walkability, and public art projects will bring the economic vibrancy of City Ave to full capacity. This Main Street Designation is about to go a long way in helping our area reach its full potential. "

Bryan Fenstermaker, President and CEO, City Ave District: "Main Streets are the heart of local communities. They are where neighbors connect, where small businesses thrive, and where the character of a place truly comes to life. City Ave District believes deeply in the essential role that Main Streets play in both community identity and economic vitality. This designation will help us strengthen the small businesses that define our district, while expanding the spaces where people gather, shop, and spend time. We're grateful to the Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center for their support and we are excited to work alongside our Main Street partners to bring new energy, investment, and opportunity to Bala Avenue, 54th Street, and 63rd Street."

Brent Vernon, BusinessPA Senior Managing Director: "Manufacturing and agriculture have always had a strong history here - which is why they're two of the key industries we're focusing on in Pennsylvania's Economic Development Strategy. The Commonwealth has a strong business climate for companies like Farm Plast that are ready to grow and succeed here. This investment further advances our economic competitiveness and highlights our ability to attract companies from across the nation, create good-paying jobs, and support our local communities."

See what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about these recent economic development investments:

TribLive: Shapiro calls $740M Esplanade a 'game changer' as Pittsburgh project breaks ground

Axios: Ferris wheel, entertainment district and housing coming to North Shore

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Developers break ground on historic Esplanade project

The Philadelphia Inquirer: The Bellwether District announced its first tenant, DrinkPAK, bringing 174 jobs

Philadelphia Business Journal: DrinkPak to invest $195M in huge South Philadelphia manufacturing facility

Philadelphia Business Journal: How Philadelphia beat 40 competing sites to win DrinkPak's huge new facility

Plastics News: Farm Plast expands into Pennsylvania with new manufacturing site

Pennsylvania Business Report: New Jersey manufacturer to open Lycoming County location

Pittsburgh Business Times: Calgon Carbon to invest $13.2M in Neville Island plant expansion, adding 23 jobs

WITF: Eurofins announces nearly $150 million expansion to Lancaster County lab

Central Penn Business Journal: Shapiro secures $147.5M investment from Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories

WGAL: Shapiro announces multi-million-dollar investment in Lancaster County biopharmaceutical company

Hanover Evening Sun: Downtown Gettysburg obtains main street designation from state program

Gettysburg Connection: Gettysburg designated as Main Street Community

Central Penn Business Journal: Shapiro Admin announces new Main Street designation in Central Pa.

Berks Weekly: Berks County organizations receive funds through state Neighborhood Assistance Program

WJAC: Local nonprofits see funding boost as Neighborhood Assistance Program doubles its impact

Lehigh Valley Business News: Affordable housing projects get boost from state funding