Applications For Business In Our Sites Brownfield Funding Accepted Through October 31

The Commonwealth Financing Authority is now accepting applications for its Business In Our Sites Program and the PennWorks Programs through October 31 for brownfield and other business site development. (formal notice)

Funds may be used to acquire land, conduct environmental assessment and remediation, and perform demolition. The funds may also be used for site preparation activities and installation of infrastructure, including but not limited to, sewer, water, storm water, utilities and telecommunications, both on site and as needed to bring service to the site.

They may also be used for access roads or other necessary on-site and off-site transportation improvements. These include rail, costs associated with engineering, legal and other professional services; and any other activities necessary to make a specific site ready for reuse.

The CFA plans to make available approximately $38.5 million in funds that are available from loan repayments and projects that either did not use all of the awarded funding or did not proceed. Within the $38.5 million there is approximately $25 million in BOS loan repayments that can be reloaned and approximately $13.5 million in unused PennWorks funds that can be loaned or granted to projects for water and sewer improvements.

The CFA intends to use the BOS and PennWorks funds in tandem to help finance the construction of high-impact projects in regions of this Commonwealth where there is a significant need for developed business sites.

The CFA is not intending to fund stand alone water or sewer projects with the limited PennWorks funds, but rather use the available funds to compliment the BOS funds for projects where there are water or sewer components.

If applying for both BOS and PennWorks funding for a project, indicate that in the application narrative and budget sections. Where application addendum information is the same for both the BOS and PennWorks applications, only submit that information as part of the BOS application. Only the application fee for BOS is applicable if applying for both programs.

Review the BOS and PennWorks guidelines thoroughly before applying. Eligible applicants are encouraged to contact Brian Eckert at 717-720-1400 or Scott Dunkelberger at 717-720-1418 to discuss potential projects before beginning the application process.