Governor Wolf Announces $705,000 in PLCB Grants… And The Largest Amount Went To A Project Backed By A State Senator

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While most of what we do is fun (there’s so much enjoyment in craft beer) occasionally situations arise that make us do a double take.

As was recently announced Governor Wolf announced $705,000 in PLCB grants for developing and promoting Pennsylvania beer. And a lot of great organizations received money to support something we all love; PA Beer.

However, interestingly enough, the largest grant awarded went to a state run Project named Pennsylvania Pursue Your Hoppiness. This will be a project where the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, will identify and promote 12 trails that geographically link breweries based on existing tourism regions. This was first announced through State Senator Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) office.

The project received the largest amount of any project at $127,500 which is $30,000 more than the next largest grant. (And the only grant awarded over $100,000).

Our site has always existed to serve the best interest of PA Beer. Which is why we are keeping a close eye on a State Senator receiving the largest grant amount from the Governor of Pennsylvania. We look forward to seeing the development of their project.

As of this writing we have reached out to Senator Farnese’s office for comment and not have heard back from either.

The response from the State of Pennsylvania:

“The initiative will create, develop and employ a single, identifiable brand identity for Pennsylvania’s malt and brewed beverage industry. This offers great potential in terms of the development of related materials, including merchandise, and of regional, national, and international marketing campaigns focused on more than just a single brewery-related destination or product.

We want to be extremely clear: Senator Lawrence Farnese is not receiving this grant, and to claim such is simply wrong. Senator Farnese’s only involvement in the application for the grant was submitting a letter of support. The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Senator Mario Scavello, Representative David Millard, and Representative Mark Longietti also submitted letters of support.”