Business & Merchant

Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 March 2022 03:40

Washington County, Pennsylvania attracts 69 Economic Development and Infrastructure Projects for $679. 8 million in capital investment

Washington County, Pennsylvania continues to maintain its strong economic position among Pennsylvania counties in terms of growth and job creation as the country emerges from the pandemic.

To emphasize this growth, the Washington County Board of Commissioners joined with nearly 300 regional business leaders on Thursday, February 24 for the Washington County: State of the Economy event presented by Community Bank and hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. The commissioners highlighted 69 major economic development projects that accounted for more than $679.8 million in capital investment in Washington County. These projects were also complemented by over $7.2 million in additional investments the county recently made through the Washington County Local Share Account (LSA)-a fund capitalized by gaming revenues. These LSA investments were leveraged by an additional $8.8 million in public and private resources.

“Washington County continues to maintain a leadership position in both our region and state in creating new economic growth, new job opportunities and county-wide expansion,” stated Diana Irey Vaughan, Chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners. “In 2021, our public and private partners announced $679,807,523 in new business investment in Washington County. While our economy continued to experience the effects of the pandemic, we are encouraged by the growth across our county.”

Despite the county’s economic challenges in the past year, Washington County continued to invest in the area’s growth through infrastructure development. Larry Maggi, Vice Chairman of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, concentrated his remarks on the county’s efforts to invest in the future through new roads, utilities, and broadband.

“For our economic success to continue, we have to invest in ourselves, especially in infrastructure to meet our current needs and future growth,” stated Commissioner Maggi.

“One of the most significant infrastructure projects for Washington County last year was the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s opening of the Southern Beltway linking the Pittsburgh International Airport to Washington County communities. This project is a clear path to our front door and will open opportunities for Smith Township, Robinson Township, and all the northern areas of Washington County. We are already seeing development with the Fort Cherry Development District and expect more to develop as additional ramps open along the beltway this year,” Maggi commented.

“It is also important to stress the impact of the Washington County Local Share Account (LSA) Program’s investments in our local infrastructure,” added Maggi. The LSA program is Washington County’s share