The Army Heritage Center Foundation is pleased to announce that Governor Edward G. Rendell has authorized the release of an additional $500,000 of Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds to support the continued development of the US Army Heritage and Education Center.

“We are pleased that Governor Rendell and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania continue to support the development of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center,” said Chris Gleason, Vice-Chair of the Army Heritage Center Foundation.  “This additional Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant will facilitate construction of Phase Two of the Visitor and Education Center.  We believe that the Commonwealth’s support will spur others to give or continue to support our efforts to expand this campus that will honor our Soldiers and their Families, reach out and tell the American public about the Army’s contributions to our Nation, and promote heritage tourism.”

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, and historical improvement projects.  Funds provided through this grant support construction for which the designated project must obtain at least a 50 percent non-state match prior to obtaining access to the state’s funds.  A project is eligible for RACP funding only if that project has been itemized in an act--such as a Capital Budget Project Itemization Act--passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor.  The authorization to support the development of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center was contained in the Capital Budget Itemization Act of 2004.  The program is administered through the Cumberland County Industrial Development Authority.

The Army Heritage Center Foundation coordinates a public-private partnership that seeks to expand the US Army Heritage and Education Center campus and programs.  The Foundation has achieved its first goal of building Phase One of the Visitor and Education Center—a $12 million capital project that will open to the public in 2011.  Phase One of the Visitor and Education Center will provide a 37,000 square foot facility that will include the U.S. Army Heritage Center's first exhibit and interpretive gallery and urgently needed public space for educational programs, veterans’ reunions, and other public gatherings.  Phase One will also include a store and other support services for visitors.

Phase Two of the Visitor and Education Center will provide a second exhibit and interpretive gallery, additional multipurpose and education program space, and enhanced support services for visitors.  The project is estimated to cost approximately $9.5 to $10 million.

The USAHEC is open to the public for tours and for research.  See www.usahec.org for hours and directions.