Bedford, PA – The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a grant of $498,840 to the Bedford County Development Association (BCDA) to support the Bedford County Business Park II Site Preparation Project. This initiative involves the preparation of Lot 2, a 2.79-acre lot within the business park.
“Receiving the funding from ARC POWER is an important next step in preparing Lot 2 for development,” noted Jeff Crist, BCDA Board Chair. “The project will enable us to have a pad-ready site which will help attract new investments and create new jobs.”
In May 2024, BCDA was awarded a $338,880 PA Sites grant for Lot 2 site development. The state received 102 applications and BCDA was one of only seven applications to be approved. The PA Sites grant, plus equity, will match the federal ARC monies.
“This award comes at a good time. We are at 100% capacity at the Hess Business Center and have limited space remaining in our new BCDA Business Center that was opened in May. Cell-Con, our anchor tenant, relocated to the new center, occupying office and production space to accommodate its growth. There is only 9,000 sq. ft. remaining in the building,” noted Bette Slayton, BCDA President and CEO.
“With limited inventory and strong demand, ARC POWER and PA Sites will enable us to be prepared to meet the needs of local businesses and new employers,” Slayton said.
This funding is part of a larger announcement today, where ARC awarded $68.2 million to 65 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, aimed at supporting economic diversification in communities impacted by the decline of the coal industry. This is ARC’s largest POWER investment since the initiative’s inception in 2015.
“ARC’s POWER initiative supports coal-impacted communities in preparing for the next phase of Appalachia’s economy,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “These investments will help train workers, advance new industries, and build upon the progress toward a brighter economic future for our region.”
The funding will help strengthen various industries, including advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and workforce development, ultimately enhancing job training and employment opportunities in coal-affected areas.
For more information about the Bedford County Business Park II Site Preparation Project and the ARC POWER Initiative, please contact BCDA by calling 814-623-4816 or emailing info@bcda.org.
About the Bedford County Development Association (BCDA)
The Bedford County Development Association (BCDA) is dedicated to fostering economic growth and development in Bedford County. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, BCDA works to enhance the quality of life for residents and create sustainable opportunities for businesses.