PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (WJAC) — I.U.P. officials are celebrating federal funding for its culinary arts facilities in Punxsutawney.
Friday Congressman Glenn Thompson announced $500,000 for the rebuilding and renovations of the facilities.
The culinary arts program contributes greatly to the Punxsutawney economy while educating future chefs.
Demolition of buildings along West Mahoning Street will begin next spring and the president of I.U.P. says this funding solidifies confidence in the program.
"This is significant in two senses. The dollars are important, but it's another vote of confidence in the project that will encourage some of our other private donors I think to come forward and provide additional funding for all of this to move forward. We certainly have strong support from the state system, but this helps make sure that this is cemented," said I.U.P. President Dr. Michael Driscoll.
The culinary arts program has been at I.U.P. for the last 30 years.
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