6 local Enterprise Zone projects get tax credits
Latest News
December 8, 2020

6 local Enterprise Zone projects get tax credits

By Mon Valley Independent

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

The Mon Valley is proving to be the total package for growing — and new — businesses. 

On Tuesday, the Mon Valley Alliance announced that six projects in the area have been awarded $2.4 million in tax credits to develop and expand their operations. 

The tax credits will leverage an additional $21.3 million in private investments and create nearly 500 jobs in communities struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Projects approved are the expansion of the General Electric facility and blight remediation to two buildings in Speers, construction of two new industrial buildings in Fallowfield Township and expansion of the Barchemy facility in Donora.  

All the projects that will receive funding are part of a Regional Enterprise Zone established through the Alliance in September.

In Speers, three projects will benefit. The first was announced last November when General Electric officials revealed that the company would close its high-voltage electrical switchgear plant in Waynesboro, Ga., and relocate to the Mon Valley. GE received $500,000 in an investment from Alston Grid LLC through the program to relocate.

The move will consolidate the company’s footprint and help reduce costs, including capital expenses needed at the Waynesboro plant over the next five years. Once the plant opens in the Speers Industrial Park, approximately 135 new jobs will be available. 

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Wednesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.

66th International Village feels less ‘crowded’ with new layout
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
August 19, 2026
Admission is free to this year’s festival, which will continue today and Thursday. McKeesport’s 66th annual International Village kicked off Tuesday with vendors heating up their fryers and bands stru...
Charleroi Area hires new assistant principal; fills open board seat
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
August 19, 2026
Anthony Hritz was selected to fill an opening on the school board. Bill Hughes began his career at Charleroi Area School District as a student teacher. Years later, he is returning to the district in ...
Glassport mayor steps down amid scandal
Latest News, Main
August 19, 2026
Keith DiMarco is accused of hiding a surveillance camera in a bathroom used by his wife and stepdaughter. By THOMAS LETURGEY For the MVI Charged with violating a protection from abuse order filed by h...
Founders’ Hall Middle School passes air test
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By MICHAEL VINSICK mvinsick@yourmvi.com 
August 19, 2026
The building is deemed safe for occupancy. Amid uncertainty about air quality and the safety of Founders’ Hall Middle School, McKeesport Area School District Superintendent Donald MacFann issued an up...
Gargan newest member of BVA school board
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By MICHAEL VINSICK mvinsick@yourmvi.com 
August 19, 2026
She was selected Tuesday to fill a term that expires in December 2027. Carly Gargan was selected at Tuesday’s meeting to fill an opening on the Belle Vernon Area school board. Board Director Robert Ha...