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For Immediate Release Indiana Regional Convocation Center Land Acquisition Completed Construction of New Facility Set to Begin Next Spring State Senator Don White, Indiana University of Pennsylvania President Dr. Tony Atwater, Indiana County Commissioner Chairman Rodney Ruddock and the Pennsylvania Department of General Services announced the formal acquisition by the state on January 9 of approximately 33 acres of property along Wayne Avenue previously owned by the Kovalchick Salvage Company. The property will be home to Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Indiana Regional Convocation Center (IRCC), to be under construction by mid-2008. Senator White and Dr. Atwater expressed their joint appreciation to all the partners -- including the Indiana County Development Corporation (ICDC), the Borough of Indiana, and White Township -- who were vital in making the land acquisition a reality. "Most importantly, I want to express sincere thanks and appreciation to the Kovalchick family for their willingness to sell property that has been part of their business and family for nearly 75 years," Senator White said. "Without their patience and cooperation, this milestone would not have been achieved. Their commitment to this community and recognition of the important role the IRCC will play in our region's future should not be overlooked." The IRCC will include a 4,000-seat arena, administrative offices for the John P. Murtha Institute for Homeland Security, athletic department administration offices, and state-of-the-art conferencing facilities. "This exciting project continues to move forward with a strong commitment by IUP and our community and regional partners," Dr. Atwater said. "The IRCC will be an economic development driver for the Indiana County region for decades to come. I sincerely appreciate the stewardship role played by Joe Kovalchick and the Kovalchick family in this positive outcome." It is predicted that IRCC construction will have a one-time impact of $22 million and 125 jobs. The project will pump approximately $7.8 million in new spending into the local economy each year. In December 2000 Governor Thomas Ridge committed $3 million in state funding for the design of the project and pledged a $20 million match to IUP to support construction. Through the leadership of Congressman John Murtha, $3 million in federal funding was earmarked for the IRCC in the 2006. To date, more than $4.6 million in gifts and pledges have been raised from individuals, corporations and groups through a dedicated fundraising campaign toward the $20 million goal. In 2002, IUP and the community, led by attorney Mike Delaney, the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce and Welcome to Indiana made a decision to pursue the purchase of 33 acres owned by the Kovalchick Salvage Company along Wayne Avenue as the site for the IRCC complex. In February 2003, Senator White met with Governor Edward G. Rendell to secure additional state funds toward the property acquisition. Three months later, the Governor traveled to Indiana to announce a $5 million commitment of state funding for property acquisition. The local leaders immediately went to work raising the additional $5 million necessary to complete the acquisition. Commitments from the ICDC ($1 million), Indiana Borough and White Township ($500,000 each), the Indiana County Board of Commissioners ($1.4 million), additional state funding ($1 million), and Federal money ($600,000) provided the matching funds. Indiana County Commissioner Chairman Rodney Ruddock praised the Kovalchick family for their commitment and acknowledged the efforts of Indiana Borough, White Township and ICDC for their roles as key partners in making the property acquisition a reality. "The IRCC is a vital project for this area," said Commissioner Ruddock. "It represents outstanding cooperation between the university and the community. We are determined to support it at every step of the way." The Department of General Services also played a key role in finalizing the property acquisition. Governor Rendell made a commitment to this project almost four years ago and instructed DGS staff to work diligently to acquire this property on behalf of IUP. Senator White recognized the many partners who played a key role in this process. Former County Commissioners, Bill Shane, Randy Degenkolb and the late Bernie Smith were instrumental in the beginning of this project and the current Commissioners Ruddock, David Frick and Patricia Evanko have worked diligently to see it through to fruition. Former IUP President Dr. Larry Pettit had the vision to realize the Wayne Avenue site was ideal for this facility, while Interim President Diane Reinhard ensured IUP kept focus on this project during an important transitional period. Dr. Atwater has made great strides in developing the vision and concept of this project as it moves forward. "The local partners, Indiana Borough Council, White Township, ICDC and the county commissioners, are to be congratulated on their willingness to participate with very critical commitments to this project," Senator White said. "Organizations such as Welcome to Indiana provided seed money to begin the process of acquiring the land." Senator White added that the project also received strong bi-partisan support from state and federal officials. "Certainly the support of Governor Rendell and Secretary Creedon was a major key to moving ahead with this project, while former Senator Santorum, Congressman Shuster and Congressman Murtha secured very important federal funds toward both the acquisition and construction of this facility," Senator White said. "State Representatives Jeff Pyle, Dave Reed and Sam Smith are to also be congratulated on their support and interest in this project as it has moved forward. "Now is the time to take the next step," Senator White added.
"I am confident IUP will carry this project to the next phase and the IRCC will
be a reality." May 16, 2003 -- Governor Edward G. Rendell announces $5 million in state funds to acquire Kovalchick Salvage Co. property along Wayne Avenue. July 22, 2003 -- ICDC commits $1 million to the project. July 23, 2003 -- White Township commits $500,000 to the project. August 5, 2003 -- Indiana Borough commits $500,000 to the project. August 15, 2003 -- Indiana County Board of Commissioners commits $1.4 million to the project. April 2004 -- Congressman Bill Shuster commits $400,000 toward property acquisition. January 2005 -- State System of Higher Education Board of Governors agrees to the Kovalchick site as the location for the Indiana Regional Convocation Center (IRCC). November 2005 -- Congressman John Murtha commits $3 million toward construction of IRCC. December 2005 -- US Senator Rick Santorum commits $200,000 toward land acquisition. December 13, 2005 -- Due diligence period begins on the executed Agreement of Sale. August 24, 2006 -- Local partners reaffirm financial commitment to IRCC. December 20, 2006 -- County Commissioners apply for additional $1 million in state funds toward land acquisition. January 9, 2007 -- Closing formalized. Looking Ahead
The property is expected to be completely cleared of inventory
no later than 2011. Ed Myslevicz, DGS Commissioner Rodney Ruddock
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