$2.5 million pipeline project to ‘save jobs’ in Centre Hall

A $1 million grant for a more than $2.5 million project will allow a local company to retain its workforce.

The governor’s office announced Tuesday seven business development projects, one of which is Centre Hall.

SEDA-COG Natural Gas Cooperative, Inc. was approved for the grant, which will help fund the construction of a point of departure station in the borough.

“As a result of the installation of the station, around 20,000 feet of delivery lines will be constructed through Centre Hall to serve approximately six commercial businesses and 89 residential units,” according to the governor’s office’s release. “The savings and efficiencies resulting from this project will allow Hanover Foods Corporation to retain its current workforce of 150 full-time jobs.”

HFC Executive Vice President Gary Knisely was not immediately available for comment.

The grant was approved through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Pipeline Investment Program.

“Two of the most important components that businesses look for when they’re considering moving or expanding into another state is if the state has a selection of pad-ready sites to choose from, and if it has the energy infrastructure to power their growth,” Governor Wolf said in a statement. “These projects approved today address both of those issues, placing Pennsylvania at a competitive advantage over other states and creating thousands of jobs. This is great news for the six counties in which these projects are located.”

The PIPE program provides grants to construct natural gas distribution lines to business parks, existing companies and to provide natural gas for residents.

This story was originally published January 23, 2018 at 3:01 PM with the headline "$2.5 million pipeline project to ‘save jobs’ in Centre Hall."