Wolf Administration Hosts Roundtable in Greene County, PA to Discuss New Shell Plant Opportunities and Community Preparation

WAYNESBURG, Pa., Sept. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Davin hosted a roundtable discussion with state and community leaders and business representatives today to discuss how communities can leverage potential investments and development opportunities related to the new Shell Cracker plant in Western Pennsylvania.

"Shell's expansion in Western Pennsylvania will have a profound effect on the region and the state, but in order to maximize the return on this investment, continued engagement with stakeholders is essential," Governor Wolf said. "Developing a long-term strategy for downstream manufacturing growth requires a strong partnership between the private and public sector, and I commend Secretary Davin's leadership in fostering these important relationships."

"Our communities should prepare for changes ahead and consider the revitalization needs that will support their future growth," Secretary Davin said. "Today's roundtable is dialog that will help set the communities of Greene County on a path to best plan for, and take advantage of, the significant economic opportunities that the recently announced Shell Cracker plant will provide throughout the region."

The discussion, which was held at Mined Minds in Waynesburg, focused on local economic revitalization priorities to support future growth in the city and the region, specifically in regards to the Shell project's demand for at least 6,000 full-time construction jobs and 600 full-time permanent jobs, as well as the estimated $6 billion economic impact on the region.

"The importance of our governor's and state agencies' diligence to bring the Shell project to fruition cannot be understated. Greene County has led Pennsylvania's coal production to consistently rank fourth in the nation, and we have been the fourth largest natural-gas producing county. An expected, but very rapid, transformation from coal to natural gas is opening opportunities we are all exploring," said Robbie Matesic, Green County Department of Economic Development executive director. "We are grateful to welcome Secretary Davin to discuss the important efforts underway to leverage this energy phenomenon into long-term, value-added prosperity. Our county has many organizations engaged to advance infrastructure, business, manufacturing, technology education, and innovation by collaboratively working here in Greene County and across the region."

Shell's plant will be one of the largest of its kind in North America, and the largest single 'from-the-ground-up' industrial investment in the Pittsburgh region in a generation. The company is expected to break ground in late 2017, with commercial production expected to begin early next decade.

For more information on #ShellinPA, community preparation and revitalization, and business development opportunities, visit dced.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lyndsay Kensinger, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

Related Links

http://dced.pa.gov