Johnstown Corporation Project
Johnstown, PA
Korns Galvanizing was an occupant of the former U.S. Steel Plant in the Moxham section of Johnstown. The Johnstown Corporation Project is a prime example of a revitalized former steel mill that has been effectively reused through the efforts of the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority. The former owner of the Johnstown Corporation, a steel foundry, declared bankruptcy, leaving over 200 jobs in jeopardy. A new owner was sought by Johnstown Area Regional Industries, who turned to the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority when it was determined that potential environmental concerns could threaten property transfer. The Redevelopment Authority received a $200,000 Industrial Site Reuse Grant to perform the required environmental assessment work on the 60-acre property. The City supported the project by its use of the State Enterprise Zone loan program, providing low-interest loans to assist in developing the site. The results of this intergovernmental cooperative effort speak volumes. First the entire 60-acre site received a ‘Release of Liability’ through the PA Act 2 Land Recycling Program, allowing the purchase of the property by HIG Management Capital to proceed, thereby keeping the Johnstown Corporation in business. Jobs were saved at the steel facility, with more created when outlying (clean) parcels of the project site were sold to private investors to create new businesses, and expand existing ones. Nearly $19 million in private investment in Johnstown was realized through this multi-development project which includes the Johnstown Corporation, OMG America, Rite-Aid Pharmacy, and Gap Vax, Inc. This project was recognized as a Showcase Site by the PA Department of Environmental Protection in the 2000 Land Recycling Program Report. |
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Contact:
Johnstown Redevelopment Authority
4th Floor, Public Safety Building
401 Washington Street
Johnstown PA, 15901
Phone: 814-535-6564
Fax: 814-535-6567
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