Chester, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro launched a new effort to invest in and revitalize Chester, Pennsylvania alongside state and local elected officials, business leaders from Delaware County, and community and nonprofit leaders ― creating new opportunities for the city, its residents, and businesses.

Developed in close coordination with the local community, the revitalization effort is being launched with nearly $100 million in public and private investments in Chester, which will fund improvements to local road and pedestrian infrastructure, increased support for violence prevention initiatives, expanded blight remediation, and new opportunities for economic growth.

At the Governor's direction, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has worked with community stakeholders across the city and built a coalition of public and private partners. The Commonwealth, area business leaders, local nonprofits, and city and county government will invest a total of $97,100,863 into the Chester revitalization efforts. See the full list of investments here.

Here's what Pennsylvania's business, economic development, and local leaders are saying about Governor Shapiro's leadership in creating a coalition to invest in Chester:

Chris Gheysens, Chairman & CEO, Wawa: "As a Pennsylvania-based company with deep roots in Delaware County, Wawa is proud to invest in this partnership to support programs and neighborhood improvements to build a stronger future. We appreciate Governor Shapiro's leadership and are honored to join the Commonwealth, Chester's leaders, business partners and community organizations in this important effort."

David Kralle, VP of Public Affairs, Essential Utilities: "This investment reflects Aqua's longstanding commitment to the City of Chester and to Delaware County. We're proud to support Governor Shapiro's efforts on behalf of the future of the city."

Adam Kaliner, Co-Founder, Power Home Remodeling: "As an organization built on improving homes and communities, helping drive the revitalization of our own backyard is something that we're passionate about. We are proud to play an active role in this collaborative effort. Our roots are firmly planted in Chester, and our true investment will always be in the people, families, and neighbors who make Chester so vibrant. We are honored to contribute to this transformation and help build a stronger, brighter future for our hometown."

Jay Sugarman, Chairman & Majority Owner, Philadelphia Union and Union Sports & Entertainment: "One thing I can tell you is the union is all about teamwork, and working with Governor Shapiro, Mayor Roots, and leaders here today, I can tell you we are going to build the city that Chester wants to be. This is an opportunity to grow that waterfront into another part of Chester that can be special, not just locally, not just in Pennsylvania, but nationally."

Chester Mayor Stefan Roots: "The Shapiro-Roots Chester Revitalization Package represents a transformational investment in Chester and its people. It is the result of nearly two and a half years of working closely with Governor Shapiro and his administration to develop a comprehensive stimulus package that addresses Chester's most pressing needs while advancing our long-term vision for revitalization. These resources will allow us to combat blight, repair owner-occupied homes, strengthen vital community programs, improve our roads and sidewalks, and create new incentives for economic growth. This is what revitalization should look like -- a comprehensive investment that improves quality of life today while laying the foundation for Chester's future. I thank Governor Shapiro and his administration for recognizing Chester's potential and partnering with us to turn our plans for progress into action. I am also deeply grateful to the businesses and corporate partners whose generous contributions through the tax credits helped make this major investment possible."

Karl Blischke, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA): "We are so proud to be a partner in this game changing, collaborative investment into downtown Chester. We believe that development of a thriving creative sector ecosystem has the power to play a key role in long-term reinvestment strategies and will help ensure a vital, sustainable future for this city."

Dr. Stacey Robertson, President of Widener University: "On behalf of Widener University, I thank Gov. Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development for this transformative investment in the city of Chester. This is exactly the kind of partnership Chester needs - one where economic opportunity, education and revitalization move forward together. Widener is proud to call Chester home, and we look forward to being an active partner in writing this next chapter."

Lisa Gaffney, Executive Director, Chester Economic Development Authority: "This comprehensive support from the Commonwealth will strengthen Chester's economic foundation, improve its housing stock, address blighted conditions in our neighborhoods, and create new opportunities for growth. DCED worked closely with the City, Delaware County, local nonprofit organizations, key employers, and other stakeholders to identify barriers to revitalization and develop a package of financial assistance and support capable of producing meaningful, lasting results. We are grateful to Governor Shapiro and his administration for this significant investment in Chester and look forward to seeing its impact on our neighborhoods, our economy, and most importantly the quality of life of our residents."

Delaware County Economic Development Corporation (Delco EDC): "Thanks to Governor Shapiro's leadership, these investments in Chester City will bolster the existing economy, attract new investment, and strengthen the local workforce. This is an absolute boon for Chester City, for Delaware County, and for everyone who calls this region home. Delco EDC is honored to be a partner in today's announcement and we look forward to working on Chester City's future with this amazing private and public team assembled."

Annette Pyatt, Executive Director, Chester Community Improvement Project, Inc.: "Chester Community Improvement Project (CCIP) is honored to partner with the Commonwealth and the City of Chester in implementing this transformative Neighborhood Assistance Program grant. We sincerely thank Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for investing in Chester's neighborhoods. This funding will allow us to assist homeowners with critical home repairs while creating safer homes, strengthening neighborhoods, and improving the quality of life for Chester residents. We also extend our deepest appreciation to Wawa, Power Home Remodeling, and Aqua for their generous support."

Gine Burritt, Director, Delaware County Planning Department: "The Delaware County Planning Department looks forward to working with DCED and the City of Chester on this transformational plan that will improve the lives of residents and strengthen the economy. It will bring real, tangible benefits to the community and we thank the Governor for his continued investment in the community of Chester."

"Chester is a city with incredible pride, strength, and potential, and I'm proud every day to represent the people who call it home. But for far too long, this community has been underserved, overlooked, and exploited", said Senator John I. Kane (D-SD 9). "This nearly $100 million investment is about changing that, giving Chester the resources, opportunities and commitment it has deserved for generations. We're investing in Chester's future while building on the energy, spirit, and promise that already exist here today."

Read more about the Chester revitalization plan below:

Delco Daily Times: Shapiro announces nearly $100 million investment in Chester: 'There is a bright future'

The Philadelphia Inquirer: Bankrupt Chester city is getting nearly $100 million in state and private funding

The Philadelphia Tribune: Gov. Shapiro announces nearly $100 million to revitalize Chester

WHYY: Chester scores $100 million investment, Gov. Shapiro says

Forbes: Josh Shapiro Announces $100 Million Initiative To Revitalize City Of Chester