Little Leaf Farms was awarded a state grant of $501,136 to support its efforts to build four new 10-acre indoor greenhouses, according to two state lawmakers.

The awarded funds will reinforce the natural gas pipelines at the site to support the planned new greenhouses.

The grant, announced by the offices of state Sen. David Argall, R-29, and state Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-122, was awarded through the Pipeline Investment Program during a meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority on Monday The grant will be matched by an equal investment by UGI Utilities.

Little Leaf’s plans include expanding its greenhouse space in Banks Township, near McAdoo, from 20 acres to 60 acres, resulting in at least 300 jobs. Once completed, it will become the largest indoor lettuce production facility in the world, according to the company.

“Little Leaf Farms is a world leader, pioneering innovative agricultural processes that are revolutionizing how lettuce is grown,” Heffley said. “Carbon County has a heritage of hard-working industrious individuals, from mining coal to building canals and railroads, and now new food production processes that will compliment and expand our economic portfolio. I’m happy to see the continued growth of Little Leaf Farms and jobs in Carbon County.”

“Little Leaf Farms is changing how the lettuce industry operates right here in Carbon County,” Argall said. “I’m thankful they were awarded this highly competitive funding to support their grand plans for the future.”