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Brenton Davis to invest in plan to turn blighted Corry site into workforce training hub

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 5:33 GMT by Erie Times-News
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Erie County Revives Corry’s Blighted Brownfield into a Workforce Training Hub with ARPA Support

Erie County’s once‑abandoned industrial parcel in Corry, Pennsylvania, is on the brink of a dramatic transformation. What was once a derelict brownfield site—its concrete floors echoing the distant hum of a factory that has long since closed—will become a cutting‑edge training hub, thanks to a blend of local vision and federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The initiative, announced by county officials and community leaders on October 25, 2025, marks a turning point for Corry’s future workforce development and community revitalization.

A History of Abandonment

Corry’s brownfield site dates back to the mid‑20th century, when a textile mill and subsequent industrial uses left behind a patch of contaminated land. For decades, the parcel sat dormant, its empty shells a constant reminder of the town’s shifting economic fortunes. As the region’s manufacturing base declined, the site’s condition deteriorated—crumbling structures, soil contamination, and the absence of functional infrastructure rendered it unsuitable for residential or commercial use.

County officials have long grappled with how to address the site’s legacy. In 2022, Erie County released a draft brownfield redevelopment plan that called for environmental remediation, community input, and a reimagining of the space as a catalyst for economic growth. The plan laid the groundwork for what would ultimately become the training hub, but securing the necessary capital and public‑private partnership was a critical hurdle.

ARPA Funding Fuels the Vision

The American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March 2021, allocated significant funds for local governments to address environmental hazards, stimulate job creation, and strengthen workforce resilience. Erie County’s Economic Development Department secured a grant of $3.6 million through the ARPA Brownfield Program, earmarked specifically for site remediation and workforce infrastructure.

“We’re thrilled to have access to ARPA funds,” said County Director of Economic Development, Maria Sanchez. “They have given us the financial flexibility to address environmental cleanup while also investing in training facilities that will equip our residents for the industries of tomorrow.”

The grant covers soil testing, hazardous material removal, and the construction of a state‑of‑the‑art training center. In addition to the federal money, the county will match $1.2 million from local sources, including a partnership with the Corry Chamber of Commerce and a contribution from a local manufacturing firm that plans to use the center’s graduates.

A Blueprint for the Future

The new training hub, slated to open in early 2027, will occupy the former mill’s footprint while integrating modern design elements that promote sustainability and adaptability. The complex will feature:

• Hands‑on Learning Labs: Dedicated spaces for manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and robotics.
• Renewable Energy Workshops: Modules on solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance, and energy storage systems.
• Digital Skills Studios: Training in cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development, reflecting the region’s growing tech sector.
• Entrepreneurial Incubator: A small office space and mentorship program for residents who wish to launch their own businesses.

The curriculum will be co‑developed with local community colleges, including Penn State Greater Allegheny, and technical schools in neighboring counties. Workforce development agencies will tailor courses to meet the demand of Erie County’s largest employers—namely the healthcare sector, advanced manufacturing, and green energy companies.

Community‑Centric Planning

One of the hallmark features of the project is its emphasis on community engagement. Prior to the grant application, Erie County held a series of town hall meetings in Corry, inviting residents to voice their hopes for the site. A notable outcome was the inclusion of a community garden in the complex’s design—a nod to the town’s agricultural heritage and a source of fresh produce for the local school district.

“We wanted this to be more than a training center,” said Corry Mayor Linda Greene. “It’s a place where people can learn, grow, and feel proud of their hometown. The garden and the community events we plan will bring people together.”

The environmental remediation process itself involved a partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Soil and groundwater testing revealed elevated lead and petroleum hydrocarbons, necessitating a comprehensive cleanup that will follow EPA guidelines for brownfield sites. Once remediation is complete, the site will meet the standards required for a mixed‑use development.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

County planners project that the training hub will create 400 direct jobs during construction and an additional 250 permanent positions once operational. Beyond the immediate employment, the center will generate indirect jobs by supplying skilled labor to the region’s manufacturing and renewable energy sectors. Local businesses anticipate a surge in demand for related services, including logistics, maintenance, and tech support.

“By focusing on in‑region training, we’re ensuring that our residents stay local and prosper,” said Sanchez. “It’s an investment in our workforce that will pay dividends for decades.”

Timeline and Next Steps

The project is already in motion. Site remediation began in early 2026, with construction expected to start in spring 2026 and complete by December 2026. The center will officially open its doors in March 2027, coinciding with the launch of a pilot training program in partnership with a leading electric vehicle manufacturer based in nearby Meadville.

County officials have also secured a preliminary lease agreement with the Corry Chamber of Commerce to host a job fair at the new hub within the first year of operation. Additionally, the county is exploring a public‑private partnership with the Erie County Regional Transit Authority to improve accessibility to the site, ensuring that commuters from surrounding towns can easily reach the training center.

A New Chapter for Corry

The transformation of Corry’s brownfield into a vibrant training hub is a testament to the power of targeted federal funding, community advocacy, and forward‑thinking local leadership. The project not only addresses the environmental scars of past industrial activity but also paves the way for a workforce equipped to thrive in the 21st‑century economy.

As Corry’s empty mills and concrete walls give way to laboratories, studios, and community gardens, the town’s narrative shifts from one of decline to one of opportunity. With the ARPA grant as its catalyst, Erie County is turning a once‑blighted site into a beacon of growth, training, and hope for its residents.