We're thrilled to share a press release announcing an exciting development! DSI was informed that we were awarded a state grant that is instrumental in helping us raise enough funding to complete Phase 2 of The Center For Education, Business & Arts (CEBA). We thank Senator Argall and Representative Watro, among so many others who have helped us get this project started. Thanks to them we are closer to our goal to move forward with Phase 2. Phase 1 is currently under construction.
Watro, Argall Announce State Grant for CEBA Project in Shenandoah
HARRISBURG – On Thursday, October 10, Downtown Shenandoah Inc. (DSI) was awarded a state grant of over $1.76 million to fund the second phase of a major redevelopment project in the borough’s business district, announced Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29). The two lawmakers worked together to secure the funding.
Specifically, the grant will go toward finishing the second floor of the Center for Education, Business and the Arts (CEBA) on North Main Street. Phase II of the project includes a health clinic, event center and co-working spaces. Construction of the community facility began this summer on a large vacant lot.
“The excitement is building in Shenandoah now that the project is underway,” said Watro. “I am a strong supporter of DSI and was happy to advocate for state funding to help complete Phase II of the work. CEBA is going to be much more than just bricks and mortar. It represents a collective commitment to creating a brighter future for the community.”
“The dedicated volunteers at DSI have worked for many years to breathe new life into their downtown and CEBA is the key to their plans,” said Argall. “This highly competitive funding will assist them with constructing a health center, event space, and additional business incubator space – just one piece of their plans for a property that was a vacant and blighted eyesore just a few years ago.”
The project has been in the works for several years and has received other state funding support with the help of Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) and former Rep. Neal Goodman (D-Schuylkill).
“CEBA will be transformational,” said Karen Kenderdine, DSI president and treasurer. “It will give people the opportunity to create jobs, not just look for them, while giving them the tools they need to be the best they can be and move our community forward.”
“CEBA is already strengthening our community,” said Susan Williams, DSI executive director. “New businesses are opening, blighted buildings are being removed and an increasing positive energy is happening. We are looking forward to this momentum continuing and are very thankful for this grant.”
The funding was awarded through the Pennsylvania Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program administered by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The program offers competitive grants to community anchor institutions and local governments for projects to construct, acquire, or improve public facilities, and will directly enable work, education, and health monitoring.
