Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

4/7/03

FIRST SHOVELS TO TURN AT NOON WEDNESDAY MARKING BEGINNING OF CREATION OF ‘VILLAGE AT SLIPPERY ROCK’

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Shortly after noon Wednesday [April 9], local officials will break ground officially marking the beginning of turning Slippery Rock Borough into “The Village at Slippery Rock.” The $4.8 million project is designed to transform the downtown in to a business magnet, revitalize community spirit and expand entrepreneurship.

          The “Slippery Rock Renovation” ceremony, open to the public, will be held in Main Street’s Memorial Park and will include remarks from project supporters State Rep. Dick Stevenson and a representative from U.S. Congressman Phil English’s office. Also joining will be Butler County Commissioners Glen Anderson, Scott Lowe and James Kennedy, along with Slippery Rock Mayor Ken Harris, Council President Ron Steele and member of borough council.

          Slippery Rock University’s newly renovated Center for Lifelong and Community Learning will be open for tours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. The renovation, which included installation of a computer lab, is among the first completed in helping improve the downtown image. The center is located at 165 Elm St.

          Dr. John Bonando, assistant vice president for student affairs and an active leader in Slippery Rock Development, Inc., which has spearheaded the work, will represent the University. Bonando explains the project, which is expected to be completed in late fall, has been under discussion and planning for three years.

          “This is a project that will change our community. It will bury existing utility lines and upgrade underground water and sewer lines. It will also provide for business façade development, street-scaping, new traffic patterns and sidewalks along with new parks and parking areas. It is a very comprehensive and well thought-out development that we hope will invigorate the entire community and build support for further Slippery Rock development.”

          Funding for the program has been provided by the commonwealth, Butler County, Slippery Rock Borough, the Slippery Rock University Foundation, Inc., private donors, and private foundations and corporations, Bonando says, adding, taxes have not been raised to pay for the project.

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