Duquesne’s American Textile to Receive $1.5 Million to Improve Facility

December 22, 2017

Harrisburg – December 22, 2017 –  American Textile in Duquesne is set to receive a $1.5 million state grant to remediate the grounds of the facility and open new space for expansion, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).

“The grant for American Textile will not only remediate the area it now uses for manufacturing but it will make even more space available for continued development,” Brewster said.  “Investing state dollars of this magnitude into a local company and helping it explore new areas for expansion will result in more jobs and economic growth.”

The grant was made available through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).  RACP grants are used to fund redevelopment work, aid commercial development and promote economic development.  The capital funding is authorized by the General Assembly.

“One project after another is spurring a resurgence of the Mon Valley as an economic center,” Brewster said.  “American Textile is a vital part of that resurgence and is a critical part of the economic base of Duquesne.”

Brewster said that American Textile, which is located at the former U.S. Steel Duquesne Works, is now part of RIDC’s City Center of Duquesne development. 

“American Textile is strategically located and will be close to the future Mon Fayette Expressway,” Brewster said.  “The company continues to be a good partner and part of the future of the Valley.”

According to the state budget office which administers RACP grants, American Textile plans to remediate the current manufacturing area and the adjacent land site. The plant remediation area will be cleared of equipment/product then protected with a sealed containment. The floor will be excavated 10 to 15 feet, backfilled, then finished with an 8” thick rebar reinforced concrete slab.  The site remediation of American Textile Company property will generate a 100,000-square foot site.

“I am pleased that the grant was approved and state grant dollars are being returned to our area to complete important projects,” Brewster said. 

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Brewster Reminds Residents of Property Tax and Rent Rebate Deadline

December 22, 2017

Harrisburg – December 22, 2017 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is reminding constituents that the deadline to apply for the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax and Rent Rebate program is January 2, 2018.

“The property tax and rent rebate program has been an excellent resource in providing relief to those with high property tax and rent bills,” Senator Brewster said. “I want to remind those who are eligible of the program’s Jan. 2 deadline and strongly encourage residents to apply.”

The program is available to Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and individuals with disabilities age 18 and older.  The maximum standard rebate through the program is $650.

Brewster said his district office staff is available to assist those who need help in completing the application.  There is no application fee for the program. 

Senator Brewster has district offices located in Monroeville, McKeesport and New Kensington.

“My staff is experienced in assisting seniors and other residents who can benefit from this rebate program,” Senator Brewster said. “They are happy to answer questions and help with the application process.”

Since the program’s inception, $6.1 billion in property tax and rent rebates have been received by approved applicants.

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