The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has expanded its Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program to include more types of environmental permits. DEP launched the SPEED program in June 2025 to help businesses and communities move projects forward faster while still meeting environmental standards. Through the program, applicants can choose a…
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The Harrisburg Regional Chamber voiced strong support for the Crane Clean Energy Center at a recent U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission hearing. This project presents a vital opportunity for Central Pennsylvania, bringing high-quality jobs, reliable clean energy, and long-term economic growth to our region. President and CEO Ryan Unger spoke on behalf of the Chamber, advocating…
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Micro and midsize businesses in Pennsylvania will now have more access to contracting opportunities with the Commonwealth through two new programs launched by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) on Wednesday, July 23. The new Micro Business and Midsize Business Programs will complement the Small Business, Small Diverse Business, and Veteran Business Enterprise programs,…
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HARRISBURG, Pa. — On Tuesday, July 8, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and several regional chambers to provide updates on tariff policy and international trade developments. The virtual webinar featured Isabelle Icso, executive director of international policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who offered an overview…
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HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program, aimed at improving permitting efficiency and supporting economic growth. Announced June 30 by Secretary Jessica Shirley and a bipartisan group of lawmakers, SPEED allows applicants to pay for a DEP-approved third-party inspector to…
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HARRISBURG, Pa. — PA State Budget negotiations continue in Harrisburg as state officials work privately to reach an agreement on a proposed $51.5 billion spending plan. The total spending amount remains a major point of discussion. The current proposal uses a portion of the state’s Rainy Day Fund to cover recurring costs. Lawmakers have not…
Read MoreAll dollar amounts refer to new line items or increases to the line item from the previous budget. The full amounts of proposed appropriations can be seen in the 2025-26 General Fund Tracking Run. Economic Development • $3 million for the Marking to Attract Business program• Reallocate 38 positions and almost $9 million in current…
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All dollar amounts refer to new line items or increases to the line item from the previous budget. The full amounts of proposed appropriations can be seen in the 2024-25 General Fund Tracking Run. Economic Development Health and Housing Childcare and K-12 Education Higher Education Workforce Development Transit and Infrastructure Our Position Overall, the budget…
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July 6, 2023 (Harrisburg, Pa) This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed the framework and line items for the 2023-24 Pennsylvania budget via House Bill 611. The spending plan totals $45.5 billion and includes significant investments in critical areas such as environmental permitting, workforce development and retention, and education. Budget highlights for the business…
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On June 30, 2022 the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania sided with businesses and municipalities throughout Pennsylvania in its decision to block PennDOT’s Major Bridge P3 Program, which proposed the tolling of nine interstate bridges in Pennsylvania, including the I-83 South Bridge. The court stated that the Public-Private Partnership (P3) Board did not appropriately identify specific…
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