A project in Rush Township and another near Orwigsburg have received a combined total of $1.27 million in funding from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, according to state Sen. David Argall, R-29, and state Rep. Jamie Barton, R-124.

The Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation received $750,000 to construct a building shell on the TIDE pad-ready site in Hometown.

Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital in Orwigsburg received $520,000 to expand its operating room, which will allow the hospital to add additional specialties.

“This grant program was created to help organizations make improvements that, in turn, improve the lives of Pennsylvanians,” Barton said. “Both of these organizations plan to put these dollars to good use. Between the potential for job creation at SEDCO and the expansion of health services at Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital, this funding can go a long way to making the 124th Legislative District an even better place to live and work.”

“By funding these projects, we’re helping local businesses create new, family-sustaining jobs and continuing the economic resurgence of our area,” Argall added.

RACP is a program administered by the Office of the Budget for the design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.