Bedford County Development Association awarded nearly $3M for business park
BEDFORD, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Bedford County Development Association (BCDA) is receiving a $2.8 million grant to develop Areas 1 and 2 of a 151-acre site for the third business park in the county.
The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon by Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger. The $2.8 million grant is the first of 11 projects through the first round of the PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) program.
Shapiro said the program is meant to build shovel-ready industrial sites across the Commonwealth to attract businesses, investment, and good-paying jobs to Pennsylvania.
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'It had been about 20 years since Pennsylvania had an economic development strategy. We have one now,' Shapiro said.
Bette Slayton, the President and CEO of the BCDA, said the grant comes at a perfect time.
'We've missed too many opportunities because we simply didn't have the sites that could accommodate the needs of the prospects who were calling us. But now, thanks to this investment, we're back in the game,' Slayton said.
The funds will be used to make site improvements, including extending water and sewer lines and grading parcels. It will be constructed across from the REI Distribution Center on Country Ridge Road.
'Bedford County, as you can see, is real estate ready. We have the location for this program and to put the plan into action. Governor Shapiro's PA SITES initiative is just what's needed to move the ball forward,' Mike Stiles, Commissioner & Chair of Bedford County, said.
It's an effort the Governor said he intends to use until Pennsylvania comes first in every category.
'Today is a great day to celebrate. Today is a day to turn this dirt into jobs and to see a great future of possibility and opportunity here in Bedford County,' Shapiro said.
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Before they can start building the 3rd Business Park, engineers will examine the land and start the excavation process and infrastructure improvements.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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