Press Release
September 10, 2024

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.7 Million to Expand Bakery Square and Boost Life Sciences Economy in Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $3.7 million in the state of Pennsylvania to support industrial and scientific business expansion projects in the state.

The EDA investments announced today are:

  • The Allegheny County Industrial Development Authority in Pittsburgh will receive a $2.8 million grant for roadway infrastructure improvements to support job growth and business expansion in the Bakery Square Development. The project will be matched with $2.8 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain 55 jobs and generate $7 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
  • The University City Science Center in Philadelphia will receive a $902,182 grant for its Capital Readiness Program, to support the growth of life sciences companies, stimulate economic development, and address funding disparities in the community. The project will be matched with $907,651 in local funds.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that people across Pennsylvania and the entire country have access to good-paying jobs and the resources needed to grow and thrive,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments will help support new infrastructure projects in Pittsburgh and the development of new industries in Philadelphia, helping to build regional economic resilience for decades to come across the Commonwealth.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally-developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs Cristina Killingsworth. “These investments in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia will strengthen the regional economy and create new job opportunities for residents throughout the northeast.”

“Investments in job creation and infrastructure create generational economic growth across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Bob Casey. “From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, these investments will create exciting opportunities for regional economies to grow.  I will always fight for Pennsylvania jobs and infrastructure.”

“This $2.8M investment is about more than just roads and buildings—it’s about centering our workforce and their potential,” said Representative Summer Lee (PA-12). “The expansion at Bakery Square will bring good-paying jobs to our community and uplift our local economy, ensuring that the benefits of growth reach every corner of Allegheny County. This funding represents a commitment to our workers, our small businesses, and our neighborhoods, driving resources directly to where they are needed most. We must continue to fight for investments that create pathways to opportunity, and build a Pittsburgh that works for all of us, not just the few.”

“I’m pleased to see our partners in the Biden-Harris administration again delivering for Philadelphia with federal funding I’ve voted for!  I’ll keep working to bring more federal investment to Philadelphia,” said Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-3).

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.