Sen. Dave Argall and state Reps. Jamie Barton, JoAnne Stehr, Tim Twardzik and Dane Watro announced the funding, which was awarded through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
Each grant must be matched with funding covering at least 50% of the project’s cost.
Keystone Potato Products received the largest award, totaling $3 million. The funding will support critical infrastructure improvements intended to expand the company’s advanced food manufacturing operations in western Schuylkill County.
“Keystone Potato Products has been an important part of our community, and I am pleased that this funding will help the company continue to grow and expand its operations,” Stehr said. “The improvements planned at the facility will support advanced manufacturing and help position this local employer for continued success in Schuylkill County.”
Kowalonek’s Kielbasy Shop LLC was awarded $1.85 million to renovate a vacant building in downtown Shenandoah into a new food production facility. The project will expand the longtime business’s production capabilities and include a new retail store.
“Kowalonek’s has been in business since 1911, and this funding should position them to keep serving up handcrafted kielbasy and other tasty specialties for generations to come,” Watro said.
Twardzik also congratulated Kowalonek’s, saying the investment will support the continued growth and success of the longtime local business.
The Schuylkill County Industrial Development Authority received $1.5 million to support construction of a regional emergency operations facility in Frackville. The facility will house emergency management offices, an operations center and a training center for area fire companies.
“The new Schuylkill County Emergency Operations Facility will provide a central location for emergency management, training and coordination, strengthening our ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies,” Twardzik said.
The Orwigsburg Fire Department was awarded $1 million toward the demolition of its existing facility and construction of a new fire station.
“I’m grateful these critical public safety projects are receiving state support,” Barton said. “This investment will strengthen emergency response capabilities, enhance training for first responders and ensure our facilities meet the needs of our communities.”
Argall said the funding will benefit both the county’s economy and its emergency-response system.
“By funding these important projects, we’re helping to create new opportunities for local businesses to expand their operations while also strengthening public safety on a countywide scale for our residents,” Argall said.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program provides state grants for the acquisition and construction of economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects with regional economic impacts.