Fiedler brings $1 million in state funds for IATSE Local 8 Training Center Expansion
Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler January 14, 2021 | 4:16 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 14 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., today announced $1 million in RACP state grants from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to support the IATSE training center expansion.
“It’s critical for our families that the state invest in good, family-sustaining jobs in our communities. I was proud to support IATSE Local No.8’s application to RACP for their training facility expansion,” Fiedler said. “Public funding - our tax dollars - should be invested to support working people and our communities, and this project will do just that, with the strength of the union, right here in South Philly for years to come!”
The grant will support IATSE’s project to renovate the existing 10,000-square-foot facility at 2401 S. Swanson St. and cover all particulars of expansion, including an elevator and second floor addition. Work will include site and substructure of the building, structural elements such as steel and concrete, roofing and waterproofing, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and more.
“The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local No. 8 was chartered in 1893. Local 8 and our international organization have represented workers in entertainment industry throughout Pennsylvania continuously for over 128 years. The entertainment industry is one of the fastest growing segments in our economy. As we continue to grow and service this industry, we are pressed to provide the training necessary to keep the work in Pennsylvania,” president and business manager of IATSE Local 8 Michael Barnes said.
“Working with Representative Elizabeth Fiedler, Local 8 was successful in obtaining state matching funding to expand our training facility to address the anticipated demand for entertainment following the COVID-19 pandemic. Local 8 extends its appreciation to Representative Fiedler, Governor Wolf, Mayor Kenney and others for their continued support to create and maintain family sustaining jobs in the entertainment industry,” he said.
The RACP is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity.