State Rep Neal P. Goodman, D-Schuylkill, and state Sen. David G. Argall, R-Schuylkill/Berks, announced a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant that will support further economic development at the Highridge Business Park.

The Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation has been awarded $1 million to begin a 120,000-square-foot building at the Highridge Business Park on a pad ready site in Cass Township.

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

RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity.

“History speaks for itself with regard to this sort of job-creating investment in our community,” said the chairman of SEDCO’s board of directors, Steve Field.

“SEDCO has built many speculative buildings across Schuylkill County, buildings that now employ over 1,500 people and contribute over $11 million of assessed valuation to the local real estate tax base. We’re thrilled that the governor and our county legislative delegation believes in SEDCO’s ongoing efforts to grow Schuylkill County’s economy.”