Silk Mill Project Awarded $1.5M Federal Grant

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA17) announced today that the U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $1.5M  grant to the City of Easton towards the redevelopment of the Simon Silk Mill Complex.  The funds are to be distributed via the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).

"This grant provides an opportunity to put people back to work while improving Easton’s infrastructure," said Cartwright.  "These funds will serve as a catalyst for the development of a creative economy.  I am pleased that the EDA chose to invest in the City of Easton."

The grant will support the construction of public infrastructure necessary for the redevelopment of the Simon Silk Mill Complex and is to fund access roads, parking, water, sewer, and storm water improvements necessary to convert a remediated brownfield site into a modern commercial site.

"I appreciate Congressman Cartwright’s involvement in securing this grant, which will help with the $70 million project to redevelop the Simon Silk Mill Complex, the largest economic development project in this city.  This project will help create job opportunities for our citizens in our west ward neighborhood," said City of Easton Mayor, Sal Panto.

Cartwright said the EDA anticipates the creation of 50 to 80 new jobs as a result of the award.

The Silk Mill redevelopment project is being undertaken by the Easton Redevelopment Authority, and developer Mark Mulligan of VM Development was awarded the contract for the extensive renovation of  the first several of more than a dozen structures at the former Simon Silk Mill late last year. Since then, selective demolition has taken place at the site, along with environmental remediation work, to prepare the location for commercial and residential uses.

Mulligan was also awarded contracts for the soon-to-be complete Pomeroy building, as well as the Governor Wolf and Alpha buildings, for which work has not yet begun, in the city's Downtown district.

The former Simon Silk Mill is also traditionally the location for the annual Movies at the Mill independent film festival, but due to the demolition and construction at the site, this year's event, held last weekend, took place at Hugh Moore Park instead.