Rendell delivers $8 million for green training site Uptown
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Gov. Ed Rendell this morning announced up to $8 million for a green jobs center, Uptown, that is part of a $600 million capital spending plan designed to fuel economic growth.
The governor appeared at the former Connelley Vocational-Technical School to sign legislation creating the $600 million pool, called the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
About $300 million already has been earmarked for projects statewide including the Connelley project and up to $30 million for a biologics center proposed for the old Pittsburgh airport site.
An agreement with Pittsburgh Public Schools to sell Connelley to Pittsburgh Gateways, the organization spearheading creation of the green center, is pending. The building will house startup businesses, have space for nonprofit groups with an environmental focus and provide green-related training for the construction trade and college students.
Mr. Rendell said green energy will be a particular focus.
"Pittsburgh has probably transformed itself more than any other American city and that transformation is ongoing. It doesn't stop. Green energy is the way of the future," Mr. Rendell said.
State Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Highland Park, said the state must compete for federal support for the vaccine center, which was identified as a need during last year's H1N1 flu scare.
More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
First Published July 7, 2010 11:29 am
