The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) at Penn State, a university partnership to stimulate statewide economic development, recently received $51.4 million through the Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) initiative, a grant program that supports small to mid-size manufacturers statewide.
PennTAP will manage $40 million of the $51.4 million for the Small-scale Award Track (SAT) program that supports eligible manufacturers to implement energy savings strategies. PennTAP will coordinate the program in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). RISE PA anticipates funding will support 800 small and medium size manufacturing businesses.
“This collaboration between PennTAP and the DEP will create opportunities for manufacturers across Pennsylvania to connect with the university’s vast expertise and help them secure funding for innovative projects that will reduce waste, create jobs and increase competitiveness,” Andrew Read, Penn State senior vice president for research, said. “Penn State is dedicated to fostering partnerships such as this one that will drive innovation and economic growth, establishing a lasting impact for the commonwealth.”
The remaining funds will be allocated to grant administration and program management. It also will support the execution of more than 250 free energy efficiency/pollution prevention assessments for small and mid-size manufacturers.