📋 Tender Overview
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) sent a letter of support for the Lehigh Valley’s application for designation as a Tech Hub. Created by the CHIPS and Science Act, the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hub) program is an economic development initiative aimed at accelerating growth in technology sectors, and the high-paying jobs that come with it, in cities and communities across the country. The Lehigh Valley’s application, led by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, will reinvigorate and expand the region’s existing communications and semiconductor sectors to build a Hub focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of next generation communications technologies.
“The Tech Hubs program will jumpstart the growth potential of cities and communities ready to lead the global economy, simultaneously creating good jobs here at home while allowing the United States to take control of our own economic future,” said Senator Casey. “The Lehigh Valley already has a strong legacy of industry in semiconductor and 21st century communications technology, and a Tech Hub designation would build on that good work by spurring further innovation and entrepreneurship for decades to come.”
Congresswoman Susan Wild also supported the Lehigh Valley's Tech Hub application.
“I’m very proud to be working with partners from across our community to support this Tech Hub application, because I believe there’s no better place for a Tech Hub than the Greater Lehigh Valley,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild. “From our strong local economy and manufacturing and technology sectors, to the collaboration among our academic, workforce development, and business and non-profit communities, the Lehigh Valley is uniquely situated to host a Tech Hub and further drive American innovation and job growth. I will continue advocating every step of the way to deliver this monumental investment for our region’s economic and technological sector.”
Senator Casey is fighting to bring jobs and economic investment back to Pennsylvania. He worked to pass the CHIP and Science Act to produce semiconductors in the United States, reducing the U.S.’ reliance on foreign adversaries, including China, for critical technology manufacturing. Senator Casey has urged Secretary Raimondo to consider Pennsylvania for future semiconductor manufacturing investments from the CHIPS law, and visited semiconductor producer Infinera to see the high-tech manufacturing already happening in the Commonwealth. Casey has also pushed the Administration to implement the Tech Hubs program quickly to spur innovation in communities as soon as possible. In June, Senator Casey delivered a rousing speech to union workers and business leaders outlining his vision for the United States to take control of its economic future by investing in American workers and manufacturing, as well as stopping investments in national security sectors from going to countries of concern, including China. Last month, the Senate overwhelmingly passed Senator Casey’s legislation to screen those investments by a vote of 91-6. Building on Casey’s efforts, the Biden Administration issued an executive order addressing the issue earlier this month.
