HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Wolf released the following statement on two Pennsylvania cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, making Amazon’s shortlist for its HQ2, which is expected to bring 50,000 jobs and billions of dollars in investment:
“It is no surprise that Pennsylvania’s two world-class cities have made the shortlist for Amazon’s HQ2.
“Pennsylvania’s strategic location in the heart of the East Coast, nationally ranked educational institutions and a workforce equipped to support future growth makes it prime for Amazon’s second headquarters in North America.
“Pennsylvania continues to lead the way for successful businesses and communities with innovation, and is equipped to support and sustain business for centuries to come.
“Our location at the geographical center of the East Coast, rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources and job-ready workforce has made us a hub for commerce and a leader in technological innovation and education.
“My administration, including the Department of Community and Economic Development, worked collaboratively with the all local governments, the General Assembly, Chambers of Commerce and higher education to put forth strong proposals.
“I thank all the Pennsylvania applicants who worked constructively and creatively to show off their communities in this process.
“Both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have a real shot and we will continue to support these locations by making the case to Amazon that Pennsylvania is a unique and tremendous place to build a business, make a home and pursue your happiness.”
Background:
Wolf spearheaded efforts to promote the commonwealth as the prime location for the Amazon HQ2 project, launching the Amazon in PA Web site, which includes joint letters of support from Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, legislative leaders, education advocates and cabinet officials.
Additionally, the commonwealth will submit a state-level proposal to accompany the proposals submitted by Pennsylvania’s communities.
The governor’s efforts in responding to this historic opportunity resulted in collective letters of support from Pennsylvania’s congressional leaders expressing collective support for the placement of Amazon’s second company headquarters, cabinet officials outlining the administration’s efforts and historic investments in education, workforce development, business development, and transportation, higher education advocates representing more than 360 postsecondary institutions highlighting why Pennsylvania is the best choice for Amazon, and bipartisan state leadership expressing their full support for Amazon to select a location in the Keystone State.
Amazon is expected to invest over $5 billion in construction and create as many as 50,000 high-paying jobs. In addition to direct hiring and investment, construction and ongoing operations is expected to create tens of thousands of additional jobs and tens of billions of dollars in additional investment in the surrounding community.
