Salisbury: More than $2.3 million secured for continued development of Carrie Blast Furnaces site in Rankin

Will fund work to make site ‘shovel ready’ for new businesses

Rep. Abigail Salisbury    May 8, 2024 | 3:23 PM

BRADDOCK, May 8 – New funding of nearly $2.33 million will lay the groundwork for new development in the area surrounding the Carrie Blast Furnaces historic site in Rankin, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, announced today.

Salisbury said that by funding work to make the surrounding area “shovel ready” for new businesses, the grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will allow the borough to build on the draw of a fascinating national historic landmark.

“The Carrie Blast Furnaces historic site is a unique, interactive attraction that draws folks to the area to explore, learn and invest back into local businesses,” Salisbury said. “The new funding to make the area around the furnaces shovel ready for new development will build on this amazing landmark by attracting investors and commercial tenants, creating jobs and spurring economic activity. I’m grateful to DCED and the state and local partners who helped make the funding happen.”

Salisbury said the grant to the RIDC Southwestern Pennsylvania Growth Fund will fund earthwork, utilities and asphalt paving for the site.

The funding is part of a package of grants to seven sites statewide under the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites pilot program, administered by DCED. More information about the funding is available here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-shapiro-announces-10-6-million-in-new-funding-for-site-development-pilot-program-to-create-more-shovel-ready-sites-for-businesses-in-pennsylvania/#:~:text=Allentown%2C%20PA%20%E2%80%93%20Today%2C%20Governor,sites%20across%20the%20Commonwealth%20become%20%E2%80%9C