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HARRISBURG, PA-The state has approved an investment of $35 million scattered among 43 economic development projects in 24 counties. The projects were coordinated through Gov. Ed Rendell's action team and are expected to create more than 2,000 jobs within the next three years while also retaining 7,300 existing jobs.

The funding comes from the state's Department of Community and Economic Development and includes grants from the Opportunity Grant Program, tax credits and customized job training dollars. The projects will generate more than $192 million in additional private investment, according to the governor.

The 24 counties reach to all regions of the commonwealth. Allegheny County is among the largest county recipients with funds aggregating nearly $8 million, split among 11 different projects. The scope of these 11 is representative of the full 43.