York College receives $2.5-million state community development grant
Posted August 11, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YORK, Pa. – York College of Pennsylvania received a $2.5-million community development grant from the state for redevelopment of a former manufacturing property adjacent to campus and for enhancements to its engineering, computer science and natural sciences programs.
Gov. Edward G. Rendell presented the award at a press conference held this morning at Komax Systems in York, one of 16 stops on his five-day bus tour to announce more than $642 million in new state investments in 25 counties. In addition to York College, other area recipients were Komax Systems, Service Tire Truck Center and the Crispus Attucks Association.
The College will use the funding to assist with beautification and restoration of the former site of the Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation’s containerboard mill, which closed in 2000. The 27-acre property, located on Grantley and Kings Mill roads, is in a Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) and in the York County Economic Development Corporation’s Codorus Creek Revitalization Zone.
Plans call for the remodeling of the original farmhouse structure, which will serve as the Campus Safety Office and a residence for several criminal justice majors, as well as the remodeling of the annex warehouse, located south on Kings Mill Road, as an incubator for start-up firms.
“Because of its location, adjacent to the new Kinsley Engineering Innovation Center, the Smurfit-Stone property has been of interest to the College for some time,” said York President George Waldner. “With this funding from the state, York has the opportunity to not only enhance its campus but also redevelop a former manufacturing site that has sat vacant for a number of years. It’s a win-win situation for both the College and the local community.”
Funding from the grant will also help the College enhance its engineering, computer science and natural sciences programs through the purchase of laboratory and classroom equipment. In addition, the grant will support new business and product development through York’s J.D. Brown Entrepreneurship Center and will increase interaction and partnership with KIZ companies and corporate partners.
In accepting the award, Waldner acknowledged support the College received from Rep. Eugene DePasquale and Sen. Mike Waugh, saying that the grant was “a group effort.” He and York College’s board chairman Robert A. Kinsley, chairman and CEO of Kinsley Construction, received the check for $2.5 million from Gov. Rendell.
“We’re proud of our strong electrical, mechanical and computer engineering programs, which are based on partnerships with local industries like Komax,” Waldner added. “We have four student co-ops here this summer, as a matter of fact. This is an excellent example of a state community development grant reaching over to business development as well.”
Located in southcentral Pennsylvania, York College is among Pennsylvania’s largest comprehensive colleges, offering more than 70 majors to its 4,600 undergraduate students. With a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and distinctive mentoring programs, York provides an environment that emphasizes close personal attention to students from 30 states and 38 countries.
###
Editor’s Note: Additional information is available on Gov. Edward G. Rendell’s website, www.governor.state.pa.us.
