WASHINGTON, Pa. — Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Davin hosted a roundtable discussion with state and community leaders and business representatives this week to discuss how communities can leverage potential investments and development opportunities related to the new Shell Cracker Plant in Western Pennsylvania.
“Shell’s expansion in Western Pennsylvania will have a profound effect on the region and the state, but in order to maximize the return on this investment, continued engagement with stakeholders is essential,” Governor Wolf said. “Developing a long-term strategy for downstream manufacturing growth requires a strong partnership between the private and public sector, and I commend Secretary Davin’s leadership in fostering these important relationships.”
“Our communities should prepare for changes ahead and consider the revitalization needs that will support their future growth,” Secretary Davin said. “Today’s roundtable is dialog that will help set the communities of Washington County on a path to best plan for, and take advantage of, the significant economic opportunities that the recently announced Shell Cracker Plant will provide throughout the region.”
The discussion, which was held at Courthouse Square in Washington, focused on local economic revitalization priorities to support future growth in the city and the region, specifically in regards to the Shell project’s demand for at least 6,000 full-time construction jobs and 600 full-time permanent jobs, as well as the estimated $6 billion economic impact on the region.
“I think it’s a positive sign to see the DCED taking a proactive role in preparing the region for the impact this plant could have on our economy,” said Washington Mayor Scott Putnam. “Although the plant is located in a different county its effect could be felt by the whole region much like the Marcellus Shale industry.”
Shell’s Cracker Plant will be one of the largest of its kind in North America, and the largest single ‘from-the-ground-up’ industrial investment in the Pittsburgh region in a generation. The company is expected to break ground in late 2017, with commercial production expected to begin early next decade.
For more information on community preparation and revitalization and business development opportunities, visit dced.pa.gov.
