HARRISBURG (Dec. 23, 2020) With the opportunity to bring added high-tech manufacturing jobs to Sharon and Mercer County, Sen. Michele Brooks and Rep. Mark Longietti announced the awarding of a $500,000 state grant to JCL Energy, for planned construction on a five-acre plot of land on Dock Street. The Hermitage Town Center project was awarded $1,000,000 to further enhance the Shenango Valley Mall property. The funds were derived from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).
The goal of the JCL project is to repurpose unused land and build a site for warehouse and manufacturing needs, leading to additional jobs and an expanded tax base for the City of Sharon, Sharon School District, and Mercer County.
“JCL is a trusted fixture in the electrical transformer business, and has invested millions locally, to create a strong foundation for not only today, but the future,” Brooks said.
“Over the years, JCL Development and Jim Landino have invested millions of dollars to help transform Downtown Sharon. The JCL Energy project will build on that success by bringing good jobs to the downtown area as JCL refocuses on its core business in the industrial transformer sector,” said Rep. Mark Longietti (D-Mercer).”
Brooks added, “With this vital funding, a forward-thinking plan will be able to advance from an idea to an actuality, creating a site for today and future generations. I am pleased that we were able to work with Jim Landino, Rod Wilt, Penn-Northwest and other business and community leaders to secure the necessary funding to help advance this manufacturing project.”
“We are thrilled to be facilitators in this endeavor, supporting and connecting Jim Landino in his plans and keeping great things rolling here in Mercer County,” Penn-Northwest’s Executive Director, Rod Wilt, said.
The Hermitage Town Center Project also received $1,000,000 in funding. The goal of the project is to implement a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the Shenango Valley Mall area, providing retail, commercial, recreational and housing opportunities for local families and visitors.
“The City of Hermitage continues to invest time and resources in repurposing the Shenango Valley Mall property into a Town Center where people can gather for entertainment, dining, shopping and recreation. This grant will build on the public/private partnership that will create an important community space that will be enjoyed by citizens and visitors from throughout the region,” commented Mark Longietti.”
“This project promises to create a popular hot spot and economic vitality that will send a positive ripple effect across Mercer County and the region,” Brooks said. “These announcements demonstrate the endless possibilities that can be fulfilled when we continue to partner together. Great things happen.”
CONTACT:
Diane McNaughton (Sen. Brooks)
(717) 787-1322
dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov
Liane Leshne (Rep. Longietti)
978-549-1868
lleshne@pahouse.net