Officials of the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) joined state Sen. David G. Argall in the Pine Grove Industrial Park to mark the completion of the culvert and improvement project on Roberts Road.

Landform alterations triggered by the construction of the recently-completed Solar Innovations manufacturing plant prompted the installation of storm water management improvements. These included putting in place a new box culvert under Roberts Road and widening the road."The rainfall that Pine Grove has experienced as part of the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole proves that this project wasn't only necessary, but vital to those who live near and work at the Pine Grove Industrial Park," Argall said.Financing for the first phase of improvements was secured in 2008 through a $200,000 Infrastructure Development Program grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). SEDCO worked with the office of then Sen. Jim Rhoades to prepare and submit the grant application to DCED.At the time of the initial award, Pine Grove Township Supervisors Vice Chairman Allen Aungst noted that the cost of the project could exceed $200,000 and if that happened the township would make up the difference.Ultimately, the design requirements of the box culvert were revised after a review by the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP). The revisions prompted a second round of grant application activity sponsored by Sen. Argall's office. This resulted in a DCED grant award of $100,000 that was used to reduce the impact of the additional costs on the township budget."This project has been a long time coming. From the onset, my staff and I have worked with SEDCO to secure these funds. It's great to see this project finally become a reality and to successfully withstand the heavy flood waters of yesterday," Argall said.SEDCO Vice President Gerry Heffner said, "We appreciate all the help the senator's office provided in preparing and securing the second grant. It was a critical component in making certain that the Solar Innovations project went forward - a project that brought 110 new, full-time jobs to Schuylkill County."