BETHLEHEM Tuesday, March 23 A robust and progressive set of projects that showcase a culture of regionalism headlined the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporations (LVEDC) Priority Projects presentation Friday, hosted by Northampton Community College.rn r
BETHLEHEM Tuesday, March 23 A robust and progressive set of projects that showcase a culture of regionalism headlined the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporations (LVEDC) Priority Projects presentation Friday, hosted by Northampton Community College.rn rnThrough the Priority Projects process, LVEDC better positions the region to receive state funding for these projects through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) and the United States Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration (EDA). The process is coordinated through LVEDCs Legislative and Governmental Relations Committee (LGR), headed by Vito Gallo, assistant vice president for state relations at Lehigh University and the Planning Committee, chaired by Cynthia Lambert, vice president of government and community relations for Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network.rn rnPresenting from the regions three cities and two counties before the LVEDC committees Friday were Cindy Feinberg, representing Lehigh County, John Conklin representing Northampton County, Mayor Ed Pawlowski of the City of Allentown, Mayor Sal Panto of the City of Easton and Tony Hanna, representing the City of Bethlehem.rn rnThese projects clearly enhance the Lehigh Valleys reputation as a viable and growing business community, said Philip B. Mitman, President and CEO of LVEDC. LVEDCs role is to provide leadership and present a united front to Harrisburg and Washington that will enhance the opportunities to acquire state funding.rn rnOver the last seven years, this united effort has paid substantial dividends for the region. Since its inception, more than 100 economic development projects have been identified for RACP funding. DCED has funded more than 35 of those projects, allocating more than $92 million of public investment to work in the Lehigh Valley.rn rnAs a result of LVEDCs collaborative efforts with our partners, the projects have resulted in hundreds of jobs and leveraged hundreds of millions of dollars in public investment.rn rnSome of the projects that secured funding in 2009 were Ben Franklin Technology Incubator, St. Lukes Riverfront Campus, redevelopment of Martin Towers, SteelStacks Performing Arts Center, Gambet Center at DeSales University and the new Lehigh University Science Center.rn rnDuring 2009 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania reduced funding for economic development by more than $300 million to close a $3.2 billion budget deficit and balance the state budget. Additional Pennsylvania budget cuts could be implemented in 2010. Also, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided capital for shovel-ready projects that benefitted the Lehigh Valley, including the Ben Franklin Tech Ventures expansion project.rn rnThat potential reality makes it even more important that the Lehigh Valleys partners come together and cooperate to secure new state money for regional economic development and attract significant private-sector development, Mitman said.rn rnThe 2010 projects include the 13th Street Silk Mill Project in Easton, which includes the acquisition and redevelopment of several underutilized commercial and industrial properties. The Majestic Bethlehem Center, which is a 441-acre master-planned intermodal business park located on the far eastern tract of the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation plant land. And there is an alternative energy facility in Allentown, which will generate electricity and create green jobs.rn rnIn a spirit of collaboration, Lehigh and Northampton counties support the respective citys projects. Other county priorities include enhancing infrastructural issues, such as water, waste water, and transportation including roads and bridges. rn rnBoth the Planning and LGR Committees play vital roles in this process.rn rnThe purpose and objective of the Planning Committee, in conjunction with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, is to create an economic development plan for the region that focuses and aligns the initiatives of LVEDC and its economic development partners. Subcommittees address issues regarding infrastructure, science and technology, workforce and education and targeted industries and the three urban centers.rn rnThe LGR Committees mission is to promote economic development in the Lehigh Valley region by facilitating two-way communication between LVEDC and our elected officials at the federal, state and local levels on matters impacting the Lehigh Valley business community.rn rnLVEDC will compile all the information from the Priority Projects process in a thorough booklet to present to state officials in Harrisburg. LVEDC will also publish a separate list of priority projects for funding under the Federal Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration grants. rn
