More than $3 million in federal grant money is paving the way for business development and job growth at the former Bethlehem Steel Site.

The assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce joined area leaders at the property in Lackawanna. They say grants provided through the Economic Development Administration will pay for the construction of new water and sewer infrastructure, helping development already in progress at the site.

"With Buffalo [and] Erie County's $670,000 local match, this project is expected to help create a 100 jobs and generate $18 million in private investment," Alejandra Castillo, U.S. Department of Commerce assistant secretary, said.

Leaders say they’re working to transform this historic property and brighten Western New York’s economic future.

"The federal investment is opening up doors of opportunity for the local economy, returning private sector activity to an area that historically provided hard working families with the opportunity to get ahead," said Congressman Brian Higgins. "Thanks to the Economic Development Administration’s support, we are laying the groundwork for companies to excel in today’s economy and supporting a new generation of Western New York workers."

Elected leaders say TMP technologies opened a manufacturing plant at the property, a $30 million investment. Unilad Development is spending more than $37 million and Sucro Sourcing invested $19 million to fix up and reuse several of the Bethlehem Steel buildings.

"The new growth and vitality here at the Renaissance Commerce Park have been made possible through prudent investments and a careful plan for the future," Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said. "Federal investments from the EDA have provided critical structure for the many phases of work that have gone on as this site transitions into a modern business park and is now welcoming new tenants. I thank Congressman Higgins and Assistant Secretary Castillo for working to obtain this funding and helping us revive this once-disused parcel into a desirable business location."