Governor Corbett Announces Keystone Communities Grant to Support Construction of Lancaster Public Works Facility

Press Release

Governor Tom Corbett today announced that the Department of Community and Economic Development awarded the City of Lancaster a $500,000 Keystone Communities public improvement grant to support the construction of a new public works facility, resulting in the consolidation of property and lower costs.

"Our partnership with the City of Lancaster to build a new facility is a win for the taxpayers because it will improve local services and reduce maintenance and services costs," said Gov. Corbett.

The Keystone Communities grant will provide funding to support the construction of a new City of Lancaster public works facility. The new 35,000-square-foot facility will be built on a 12.9 acre site, bound by Grofftown Road, East Walnut Street and the Conestoga River.

The new public works facility will offer fiscal and operational benefits to the City of Lancaster by consolidating the three public works locations. All equipment, fleet vehicles and personnel will be housed at one location offering increased efficiencies, enhanced management, greater sharing of resources and reduced energy costs.

"This Keystone Communities grant will allow Lancaster to consolidate critical Public Works operations in a safe and energy-efficient facility," said Lancaster Mayor J. Richard Gray. "Most importantly, lower maintenance costs and centralized services will save taxpayer dollars and improve customer service."

In addition, the City will sell one of its existing maintenance sites to the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (TSCT) which will be used as a learning facility for the college.

"Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, a leader in workforce development, creates great educational opportunities for students in the region," said Gov. Corbett. "The additional facility will expand their reach in helping prepare young people for the jobs of today and tomorrow."

"Construction of a new Public Work's facility will improve the efficiency of service delivery and will positively impact the quality of life for city residents," said State Senator Lloyd Smucker (R-13). "In addition, it gives Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology access to a new facility allowing them to better serve their students and to continue to grow the institution."

The Keystone Communities program was created in 2011 to assist commonwealth communities in achieving redevelopment. The program supports physical improvements to both designated and other communities that are undertaking revitalization to restore deteriorated downtowns, residential neighborhoods and industrial/manufacturing sites.

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