Pittsburgh – October 25, 2024 – Today, State Senator Wayne Fontana issued the following statement regarding Governor Josh Shapiro’s announcement of his nearly $600 million collaborative effort to improve Downtown Pittsburgh:

Beginning nearly 80 years ago, Pittsburgh developed the model by which cities around the world redevelop and reinvent themselves. Once again, leaders in government, business, unions, universities, and nonprofits have come together because we all believe in the future of the City of Pittsburgh.

I thank Governor Shapiro for his visionary leadership on this effort. The work of his administration, spearheaded by DCED Secretary and Pittsburgh-native Rick Siger and his staff, has brought us to where we are today—ready to move forward with a strong, united plan to return the city we all love into a thriving center for economic growth, culture, and industry.

As the senator for downtown, I am proud to have supported the substantial state investments into the redevelopment and rehabilitation projects, infrastructure improvements, public spaces, schools, and non-profits that make this community so special. And I will continue to work to make Downtown Pittsburgh a more livable, more vibrant, safer, and cleaner place.

First elected in 2005, Sen. Fontana represents the 42nd Senatorial District, which includes the City of Pittsburgh. He is also the chairman of the Sports and Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

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