(January 19, 2007)
Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato today joined Pennsylvania Community & Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky, Allegheny County Airport Authority Executive Director Kent George, and Moon Township officials to break ground on the Cherrington Parkway Extension. The $14-million project will extend the Cherrington Parkway to Ewing Road, opening 60 acres of land for the development of shovel-ready sites.

“Creating shovel-ready land is the key to jumpstarting development, stimulating job growth and attracting new business within the airport corridor and surrounding area,” said Onorato. “The Cherrington Extension will allow us to continue turning the 9,000 acres of undeveloped land around the airport into a viable commodity.”

The Cherrington Extension will create 60 acres of shovel-ready land and facilitate development of 480,000 square feet of research & development, office and commercial space. “Business in Our Sites” loans and grants from the Commonwealth will cover $6.0 million of the project’s cost.

“Our efforts through state programs such as ‘Business in Our Sites’ are paying dividends across the Commonwealth with large scale redevelopment projects that will have both short-term and long-term effects on the community and local economy,” said Yablonsky. “The groundbreaking today represents the ongoing efforts of multiple local, regional and statewide agencies that are working together to bring Allegheny County and Southwestern Pennsylvania back to greatness.”

The property is owned by Allegheny County, leased to the Airport Authority, and is being developed in conjunction with the Moon Transportation Authority (MTA). The Airport Authority is providing $3.5 million for the project.

“Pittsburgh International Airport is in the fortunate position that it is not land-locked,” said George. “Our goal is to continue additional development for aviation and non-aviation purposes on airport property, bringing jobs and commerce to the airport corridor. As a result, the Airport’s role as an economic generator is two-fold – providing high-quality, competitive air service in and out of Southwestern Pennsylvania and developing key properties to attract new industry and jobs.”

DiCicco Development has entered into a letter of intent to be the lead developer on the project. The company will construct buildings for lease on approximately half of the acreage.

The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County is providing $2.0 million toward the project, and MTA will invest $2.5 million.

“This is a true cooperative effort,” said MTA President and Moon Township Board of Supervisors Chair Cindy Johnston. “The Moon Transportation Authority was created so that the County, Township and Moon Area School District could work together to improve access and encourage economic development in the area. The Cherrington Extension will provide motorists access to two major roadways in our prime economic development zone.”

The Cherrington Parkway Extension will leverage $34 million in private development and could lead to an additional 1,850 jobs in the area.

# # #

---

 Print Version