The newly designated KIZs are in Allegheny, Chester, Greene and Indiana counties. Each is designed to obtain real estate for projects already targeted by institutions of higher learning in their respective communities.

With $200,000 in funding, the Indiana County Office of Planning and Development is working with the John P. Murtha Institute of Homeland Security at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania to target the national defense industry. The university conducts work in domestic preparedness and weapons of mass destruction, emergency response and cyber-security.

The Greene County Industrial Development Corp. has obtained $200,000 to launch a KIZ at the Center for Research and Economic Development at Waynesburg College targeted to businesses that work in environmental technology and homeland security. A $237,300 grant to the Hill House Economic Development Corp. will expand Pittsburgh KIZ operations surrounding Duquesne, Point Park and Carlow universities and Community College of Allegheny.