State Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh) announced today that Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation, on behalf of the Pittsburgh Green Innovators project, will receive over $2.4 million in grants and low-interest state loans for renewable energy installations and rehabilitation.

“As “green” moves from buzzword to market reality, Pittsburgh can continue to be a national leader toward a sustainable future, an era of energy conservation and energy innovation,” Ferlo said. “State funding is a critical tool that provides these projects a much needed boost to help us shift toward better, cleaner energy use.”

Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation, a key stakeholder in the Pittsburgh Green Innovators project, will receive a $2 million grant to assist with the installation of alternative energy technologies and a $493,810 low-interest state loan for the purchase and installation of a geothermal system, wind turbine and wind mill at the former Connelley Trade School facility.

The building, which was purchased from the School District of Pittsburgh, will become a “living lab” designed for technology incubation, demonstration, monitoring and experimentation as well as be home to educational and entrepreneurial ventures that grow companies with innovative solutions and services for the green marketplace. The campus will house a collaborative research effort among Penn State University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University.

The funds were awarded during a meeting of the Commonwealth Finance Agency board under the Renewable Energy program.

“I applaud the Commonwealth Finance Agency for recognizing the benefit of renewable energy projects on communities, businesses and education,” Ferlo said.