|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State Rep.
Ron Buxton |
|
Buxton announces more than $2 million in state financing
for economic development projects
HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Ron Buxton, D-Dauphin, today announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has awarded $2.25 million in state financing for three economic development projects throughout Steelton, Harrisburg and Highspire.
RizkCOzann Foods Corp. will use a $175,000 grant for the building and construction plans of a new supermarket in Steelton. The new facility will replace the current supermarket on the property, International Food Mart.
"I am pleased to say this grant helps to cover well over one-quarter of the total planning cost for this project," Buxton said. "This new supermarket will be a welcomed addition to Steelton and it will offer bakery, meat and seafood, produce and deli sections, as well as a dairy department.
"It will be a one-stop-shop for customers, which is a huge benefit in today's economic environment because people won't have to shop around to two, three or four different stores to get what they need. It will all be right here."
Other projects receiving financing through the CFA include a $75,000 grant to perform an alternative energy study in Harrisburg for the construction of a steam pipeline, using manure and brown chips, to connect The Harrisburg Authority Resource Recovery Facility and the NRG Bruce Mangione Steam Plant, and a $2 million low-interest loan to the Vartan Group Inc. in downtown Harrisburg for the construction of a new building that will include retail space as well as residential units.
"These projects will help to revitalize the area, attract people back to a place that shows signs of growth and provide jobs in a variety of sectors," Buxton said.
Buxton helped to pass the legislation that created the fund and other investment incentives as part of an economic stimulus package in 2004. The program is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
The CFA 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 businesses.
###sad/2008/agh
l:'print'releases'buxtoncfas.103