Plan for proposed Westmoreland County convention center stalls

Funding for the $86 million Westmoreland County project remains a major obstacle.

By RICH CHOLODOFSKY
TribLive

Progress on a proposed Westmoreland convention center pitched by the county’s chamber of commerce appears to have stalled.

Chamber President Dan DeBone confirmed funding remains the major sticking point, preventing forward movement on what is estimated to be an $86 million project in Hempfield.

Last August, the chamber released results of a study suggesting the county could support a 200-room hotel and conference center on a site adjacent to Live Casino Pittsburgh at Westmoreland Mall.

The study estimated the project could infuse up to $720 million into the local economy in the decade following its completion.

“The study confirmed there is opportunity, but projects of this scale require strong public-private alignment, clear financial models and regional buy-in,” DeBone said. “If there is collective will and leadership to move it forward, the ground has been laid.”

Hempfield Supervisor Doug Weimer, who served on the chamber committee that oversaw the study, conceded there has been little progress over the past six months. He said township officials have since had informal talks with casino representatives.

“We’ve talked about a possible public-private partnership needed to get this off the ground. We’re waiting for the casino to get back to us,” Weimer said.

The Westmoreland County commissioners said neither the chamber nor other local leaders have engaged in discussions about potential funding models but noted the county would be open to considering using a portion of hotel tax revenue for the project.

“I think it depends how much money they would be asking for,” Commissioner Sean Kertes said. “But we’ve still never been approached.”

While the convention center waits, the county’s hotel tax tourism program remains active. Commissioners last week allocated more than $1.9 million in revenue from the 5% tax to promote events in county parks and upgrade facilities across the 10 recreational hubs.

The county’s 2026 tourism plan includes $1.3 million specifically earmarked for park upgrades, including fence replacements, new trees, picnic tables, ballfield enhancements, pavilion repairs and upgrades to play equipment, parking lots and trails.

Additionally, the commissioners will allocate $165,000 to support the annual four-day Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival at Twin Lakes Park.

The plan also calls for funding to support other park festivals, general promotions throughout the county and repairs to county walking and biking trails.

About 60% of Westmoreland County’s hotel tax is sent to Go Laurel Highlands, a tri-county agency that promotes tourism in Westmoreland, Fayette and Somerset counties.

In January, that agency distributed more than $632,000 in grants to 51 businesses and agencies for 2026 marketing activities.

The remaining 40% of the revenue is directly controlled by county commissioners for tourism projects and marketing.