GOVERNOR RENDELL SAYS STIMULUS FUNDS ALREADY WORKING TO CREATE JOBS, SPARK RECOVERYWhile visiting a Bucks County window manufacturing plant that expects to grow because of incentives in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced five projects that are putting the stimulus funds to work implementing advanced energy measures and creating green collar jobs.The Governor said the projects are expected to create 155 jobs. The companies undertaking these projects are investing more than $19 million on top of the $3.7 million in stimulus grants."Here at Accu-Weld, we're seeing firsthand the opportunities we have to spark an economic recovery in Pennsylvania by creating a green economy," said Governor Rendell. "In addition, today I'm also announcing the first five energy projects that will take advantage of federal stimulus dollars to create good, green collar jobs for our workers. With new resources provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as well as the steps we've taken at the state level in recent years, we have the chance to capitalize on these opportunities, help green companies grow, and put more people to work in the green economy."This morning, we started putting those funds to work. The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority met and allocated $3.8 million to five companies that are investing another $19 million in energy conservation improvements at their plants. In the process of making those improvements, they will put 155 Pennsylvanians to work installing new energy efficient equipment and solar systems."Before making his remarks, Governor Rendell toured Accu-Weld Replacement Window and Door Co. with company president John Haddon. The 28-year-old firm manufactures high-efficiency, vinyl replacement windows for the residential home market and has already experienced an increase in demand because of the federal stimulus package, because the company's products meet energy efficiency standards contained in the legislation.Under the federal stimulus, homeowners who make energy efficiency improvements to their homes - such as installing these windows and doors - within the next two years are eligible for a 30 percent tax credit capped at $1,500. Homeowners who purchase these products would also be eligible for a loan or rebate under Pennsylvania's new Keystone HELP Residential Energy Efficiency Loan and Rebate Program.The five projects that were approved this morning by PEDA include the following:Bridge Business Center LP in Bucks County will receive $1 million to install an advanced energy system in a 50,000 square foot laboratory renovation that will enable them to recycle waste heat from their operations and meet all of their own energy needs. The company is investing $1.6 million on top of the state's grant.In Cumberland County, roofing manufacturer Carlisle Syn Tech is investing $650,000 and using a grant of the same amount to install an advanced 200 kilowatt solar system on its roof. The company aims to develop an integrated solar roofing product that can be marketed to large commercial and industrial customers.In Philadelphia, Sysco Food Services is constructing a 190,000 square foot expansion of its distribution center and warehouse there. With PEDA assistance, the expansion will be a greener and more energy efficient facility by using energy conservation measures and tools that utilize the power of the sun. Sysco is matching the state investment of $840,000.The Williamsport Hospital and Medical Center in Lycoming County will use a $1 million state grant to help install a new 2 megawatt cogeneration system that will generate electricity and also capture and reuse waste heat to provide heat and hot water for the hospital. The hospital is matching the state investment with a $1.7 million investment.Campus Square Partners in Dauphin County is installing a 50.5 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system on its 70,000 |