Pennsylvania 'First Industries Fund' Includes Horticulture Project

HARRISBURG, Pa., – Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell today announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has approved 16 projects totaling more than $1.81 million in loans and grants through the First Industries Fund, a $150 million grant and loan program aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania's agriculture and tourism industries. The First Industries Fund is a vital component of Governor Rendell's Economic Stimulus Package.

"Through this program, we are reaffirming our commitment to Pennsylvania's two largest industries - agriculture and tourism," Governor Rendell said. "The First Industries Fund is a vital program created to target funds for the capital needs of these two key industries that are integral to Pennsylvania's overall economic growth."

Among the projects approved by the CFA through the tourism component was a $175,000 planning grant given to the Horticultural Society of Western Pennsylvania for its Botanic Garden of Western PA. The botanic garden is set to be located on a 452-acre site in the county's Settlers Cabin Park, 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, in the airport corridor. Plans are to remediate the site and restore it to productive use. Once the site is cultivated, the Garden will have a demonstrable impact on the region and substantially contribute to the regional tourism and the horticultural "green" industry.

The Tourism Program provides $50 million in grants, loans and loan guarantees for businesses and nonprofit organizations engaged in tourism-related activities. The Agriculture Program will provide $100 million for grants, loans and loan guarantees to businesses and non-profit organizations to undertake projects relating to the promotion and development of agriculture within Pennsylvania.

Learn more about the Botanic Garden of Western PA at www.botanicgardenwpa.org.