Keystone Today

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced Sept. 2 that $62.7 million in grant money will be going to the Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaborative through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). 

These funds will go toward the robotics and autonomy cluster in southwestern Pennsylvania, according to a release by Wolf’s office. The Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaborative was one of 21 winners of the American Rescue Plan Build Back Better Regional Challenge, which assists coalitions across the country in economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am grateful to President Joe Biden and his administration for making transformative investments here in Pennsylvania to help secure prosperity and opportunity for all," Wolf said. "Already known as a hub for innovation and cutting-edge technology, this $62.7 million investment will further fuel southwestern Pennsylvania as a global leader in robotics and artificial intelligence. These dollars will help to grow family-sustaining jobs and spur economic opportunity across the region by supporting prospective employers and employees with investments in infrastructure, workforce training, and commercialization."

The collaborative is made up of leaders in the university, philanthropic and private sectors. The funds are intended to help the rural and coal-impacted communities in the region that spans 11 counties. Five projects are being funded. This includes supporting the Expanded Pathways to New Economy Careers. The focus is to not only expand robotics and AI-related workforce training, but also create a SME Robotics Adoption project.

The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is a first-of-its-kind federal grant program. It focuses on entrepreneurial support, workforce development, infrastructure and innovation in an effort to help the growth of the economy. There are projects in 24 states, as well as $94 million going to two coalitions that are primarily Tribal. More than $200 million is going to projects in coal communities that have felt the impact of the decline of their industry.

There were 60 finalists that received $500,000, as well as technical assistance. These were chosen from a group of 529 applicants. There will also be a Community of Practice that is led by the Research Triangle Institute that will help the 60 finals in various aspects such as technical support.

“The Build Back Better Regional Challenge provides bold investments in local economies to create good-paying jobs, catalyze emerging industries, and prepare our workforce for the future,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said. “The Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaborative coalition will strengthen a critical technology and innovation sector that will ensure U.S. global competitiveness for decades to come.”

The EDA was allocated $3 billion in funds under the American Rescue Plan Act for helping communities across the nation to build back better through enhancing the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.