Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger visited the Philadelphia Navy Yard to highlight a $30 million investment through the PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) program. The funding supports the development of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Greenway District, helping to transform 54 acres into shovel-ready sites for advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and commercial use that will help grow Pennsylvania’s economy, foster innovation, and create jobs. The investment in Philadelphia is part of the Governor’s first round of PA SITES funding — a total of $64 million awarded to 11 strategic sites across the Commonwealth.

Gov. Shapiro allocated $500 million dollars for site development in his 2024-25 bipartisan budget, including $400 million for PA SITES. Earlier this month in Bedford, the Governor announced the first round of grant funding to jumpstart development throughout Pennsylvania — in Bedford, Berks, Bucks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fayette, Franklin, Luzerne, Philadelphia, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.

“When I took office, I made clear that my Administration would be focused on making Pennsylvania more competitive and making us a leader in economic development, job creation, and innovation,” said Governor Shapiro. “We’ve heard loud and clear: Pennsylvania needs more shovel-ready sites to compete for businesses and good-paying jobs. These investments lay the groundwork to attract companies, strengthen communities, and make sure our Commonwealth is ready to compete — and win — in today’s economy.”

The $30 million grant awarded to Ensemble/Mosaic Navy Yard LLC will fund utility infrastructure, soil excavation, grading, and stormwater management to develop the Greenway District. This work will prepare six lots for up to 700,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing and commercial space — part of a broader $6 billion redevelopment effort expected to generate 12,000 new jobs. The Navy Yard is currently home to more than 150 employers and 15,000 jobs.

“We are thrilled to see this transformational investment coming through the PA SITES program directed to the Navy Yard,” said Mark Seltzer, Managing Director of Ensemble Investments, LLC. “This vital support from the Commonwealth builds on the Navy Yard’s existing momentum and continues to strengthen a campus already driving economic growth, attracting private investment, and creating high-quality jobs. This investment accelerates our shared vision to create pad ready sites to continue to attract top-tier businesses and position Philadelphia as a national hub for advanced industries.”

In the first round of PA SITES funding, DCED received 66 applications requesting over $377 million. The department continues to accept and review applications on a rolling basis, with additional grant and loan awards expected later this year.

PA SITES funding can be used for planning grants to conduct plans or feasibility studies for prospective sites, as well as construction grants and loans to help finance strategic investments to enhance sites across the Commonwealth. Award amounts are determined based on a competitive analysis that includes the applicant’s need, the marketability of the fully developed site, and the project’s alignment with the key industries in Pennsylvania’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy, and local and regional priorities.