In a significant move toward revitalizing Cambria County's industrial heritage, the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority (JRA) has secured funding to transform the historic Moxham Bus Barns into a hub for advanced manufacturing.

The JRA has been awarded $200,000 through Pennsylvania’s Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP) to conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment of the former Moxham Bus Barn facilities. This initiative is a crucial step in repurposing the site for modern industrial use.

State officials emphasize that this environmental work is essential for ensuring the site's safety and compliance with environmental standards. The assessment will include soil and groundwater testing, indoor air quality sampling, and the installation of groundwater monitoring wells.

Once the environmental assessment is complete, the plan is to establish a high-tech powdered metals manufacturing operation at the site. This development is expected to create at least 20 new jobs in the region, contributing to the local economy.

The Moxham Bus Barns, dating back to the late 1800s, originally served as streetcar barns before becoming a bus storage and maintenance facility for the Cambria Transit Authority. The JRA acquired the property in 2019 and has been working to stabilize the structures and position the site for redevelopment.

This project is part of a broader effort to repurpose former industrial sites in Cambria County. For instance, the Cambria Iron Works, once a cornerstone of Johnstown's steel industry, has undergone significant remediation and now houses new manufacturing facilities, providing more than 150 well-paying jobs to local residents.

Similarly, the Greater Johnstown High School was constructed on a redeveloped brownfield site, demonstrating the community's commitment to revitalizing its industrial past for future growth.

These initiatives reflect a concerted effort to transform Cambria County's industrial legacy into opportunities for economic development and job creation, ensuring a sustainable future for the region.