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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jaret Gibbons |
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Gibbons announces $100,000 in state financing for local animal park
HARRISBURG, April 24 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Lawrence/Beaver/Butler, announced today that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has awarded Adam Guiher a $100,000 low-interest loan to purchase equipment and zoo animals for his animal park.
Guiher, owner of Living Treasures Animal Park, will use the loan to add a wagon ride and safari exhibit to the park. The park currently offers events ranging from birthday parties, parades and photo shoots to festivals and school programs.
"We’re proud of the tourism industry here in Pennsylvania," Gibbons said. "With this funding, Living Treasures Animal Park can expand on the list of attractions it provides."
The loan will be provided through the First Industries Fund, a state program aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania's agriculture and tourism industries by helping them acquire capital to begin, continue or expand business. The loan will enable Living Treasures Animal Park to retain three full-time jobs and create two additional full-time jobs.
The CFA administers and finances projects included in the First Industries Fund program. It also oversees the state's Building PA program, Business in Our Sites program, PennWorks, New PA Venture Capital Investment, New Pennsylvania Venture Guarantee, Tax Increment Financing Guarantee and Second Stage Loan programs. Each of these programs is aimed at using targeted state investment to attract private capital for economic development in all regions of the state, and for all types of industries.
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