Pennsylvania Wolf Administration Announces Grant to Support Reconstruction of Titusville Towne Square

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin today announced the approval of a $950,000 grant through the Pennsylvania First program to support the Titusville Redevelopment Authority's efforts to restore the Titusville Towne Square.

"Downtown buildings such as the Titusville Towne Square drive development and serve as a core location to host town residents and visitors," Davin said. "We are pleased that we could play a role in the momentum to rebuild, bringing the people, jobs, and activity back downtown."

The Titusville Redevelopment Authority has received approval for a $950,000 Pennsylvania First grant to assist with the on-going reconstruction of the Titusville Towne Square as a result of a fire that destroyed several floors of the building. Formerly serving as both leased office space with available conference rooms along with the Blue Canoe Brewery, the Titusville Towne Square was critical downtown space with future tenants forthcoming.

"The fire was a devastating blow to our downtown. In a matter of a couple of hours, occupied storefronts became vacant, commercial office space on the upper floors became vacant and the community conference center was gone," said Jim Becker, Executive Director of the Titusville Community Development Agencies. "We are so thankful to have partners at DCED that understood the importance of rebuilding the Towne Square facility and what it means to the core of our downtown and to our community overall."

Specific project activities will address the removal and replacement of all smoke and water damaged materials, repair and replace any necessary electric, HVAC and plumbing, installation of a new elevator, fire alarm system, doors and carpeting. Work has already commenced within the Blue Canoe Brewery.

Pennsylvania First is a comprehensive program that facilitates job creation and retention, infrastructure projects, and workforce development, and allows the commonwealth to compete more effectively with neighboring and competitor states.

The Pennsylvania First program provides the flexibility necessary for the commonwealth to rapidly respond to companies' needs, thus facilitating increased investment in the state and enabling Pennsylvania to compete more effectively with neighboring and competitor states. All costs financed through the Pennsylvania First program must be necessary for the operation of an eligible business or businesses at a project site(s) in the commonwealth.

For more information about the Pennsylvania First program, and other DCED initiatives, visit www.newPA.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heidi Havens, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

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