Thompson Announces $500,000 in Federal Funding for IUP Punxsutawney

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa.– U.S. Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson today announced $500,000 for Indiana University of Pennsylvania to rebuild and renovate its Academy of Culinary Arts Building located in downtown Punxsutawney.

Updates to the facilities will serve as a central hub for downtown Punxsutawney Borough, providing educational and experimental opportunities for students and the surrounding community. In addition to the federal funds, this project has received state and private resources totaling more than $1.5 million.

"IUP has been an anchor in the community for years. With these funds, IUP will be able to expand and strengthen its educational offerings in Jefferson County, resulting in a stronger regional workforce," Rep. Thompson said. "Updating the culinary facilities will provide significant opportunities for current and future culinary students and attract and retain top talent in the region, leading to economic and community development in Punxsutawney and the surrounding communities."

"Today's announcement from Congressman Thompson helps us to advance the Academy of Culinary Arts master plan and continue the ongoing momentum for the Academy of Culinary Arts project," IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll said. "Both IUP and the Academy have benefited from the outstanding and steadfast support from our legislators, our partners, and our local stakeholders. We could not be successful without them. We are fully committed to Punxsutawney and to the region. The expansion and modernization of our culinary facilities is critical to the growth of our program, and we anticipate that this project will complement and stimulate further development in downtown Punxsutawney. We are very grateful to the Congressman and his team."

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