The light at the end of the tunnel started to shine yesterday in Bedford.
The long debated restoration of the Bedford Springs Resort took a step forward as Senator Robert Jubelirer announced $16 million in state funding for the project.
“With a call that came from Governor Schweiker’s office on Monday evening, giving the long-awaited green light to the Bedford Springs restoration, I gained a new appreciation for Jackie Gleason’s signature line: ‘How sweet it is!’” said Jubelirer. “I have had a chance to advocate and champion a lot of terrific and worthwhile projects during my 28 years in the state Senate, but nothing quite compares to this.”
With the $3.9 million previously committed to the project, it brings the total of state funding for the project to nearly $20 million.
“Today we put an end ot 13 years of seemingly endless struggle, of false starts, of frustrating disappointments and of understandable doubt,” said Jubelirer. “Today we give a boost to every community involvement effort in the area. This project will ripple results across the local economy. The only folks who might not benefit are the wrecking ball companies. There are not many communities featuring an historic property on their outskirts. Fewer have a property of such extent and significance. Even fewer have the chance to realize this kind of project. A lot of expert eyes have sized up this property, and the conclusion is clear — this project will work if done right. Given the time and experience poured into this plan, it will be done right.”
Fortune 500 company Kimberly-Clark has shown interest in this project and has helped move it further than any other point.
Final plans of the project have to be approved by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
The estimated cost for the total project is between $75 and 80 million and the historic hotel hopes to reopen by spring of 2005.
For the project to be complete, Business Route 220 will need to be re-routed and water and sewer needs will have to be addressed.
“Ultimately, we believed in the future of Bedford County,” Jubelirer added. “We believe in the quality of the people here, and so success is at hand. To be able to have a part in achieving this kind of community project is what drew me into public service so many years ago. I am overwhelmed by this opportunity, because of the efforts of so many people, because the trust so many extended and because of how much this meant to the future of this community and county. Today, we make a difference. Today, we begin building for a better future. That is what truly matters.”
