Before a large crowd in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District on Friday morning, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced a monumental initiative with Pittsburgh leaders, non-profit organizations, and the business community -- including the Pirates -- that will make a series of comprehensive investments to greatly improve Downtown Pittsburgh over the next 10 years.

“At my direction, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will invest $62.6 million in Downtown Pittsburgh, and that initial investment will spur nearly $600 million in investments in new apartments, better parks and public spaces, cleaner and safer streets, and more vibrant neighborhoods that will attract visitors from all across the region,” Shapiro said while also acknowledging working closely with Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and other local politicians to formulate the massive plan.

“But do understand, it’s not just government that’s leading this. That’s what makes today so special and so unique,” the governor added. “Everyone is coming together to tackle these challenges. The private sector, our civic and business leaders, and all of our foundations have bought in, and they’re investing significant capital of their own.

“I firmly believe that in order for our Commonwealth to fully thrive, we need to ensure that Downtown Pittsburgh -- this neighborhood where we are today -- is a hub of innovation, a hub of culture, and a hub of opportunity for all. To have a strong and vibrant Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we need to have a strong and vibrant Downtown Pittsburgh.”

When Shapiro reached out to Bob Nutting for support, the Pirates’ chairman was quick to make a sizable contribution to the effort.

“I’m very pleased that the Pirates are going to be part of this major economic revitalization program that will create a more vibrant Downtown community,” said Nutting, who attended Friday’s press conference. “One of the core components of the plan is connecting the corridors between hubs, and the North Shore and PNC Park are definitely a hub of activity. That’s important to the Pirates, and it’s important to Pittsburgh.”

Shapiro referred to the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins investing in the initiative as “a particular point of pride” for him.

“Think about that -- our iconic sports teams caring about the quality of all the residents of this community, not just the folks that go to their games or the folks who wear their jerseys,” he said. “They give a damn about the community, and that deserves our appreciation.”

According to Shapiro, contributions from Pittsburgh’s three professional sports teams will fund additional police officers to patrol Downtown Pittsburgh, plus expand the services already being offered to address homelessness, mental health and substance abuse.

“Yes, we’re also going to be actively engaged in the social welfare pieces of the governor’s plan -- such as the mental health aspect, which is a core program for Pirates Charities through our partnership with Allegheny Health Network,” Nutting said. “Programs such as our Chill Mobile project and our anti-bullying campaign are important and have been effective. So, we’ll be helping to bring some of that kind of support to the initiative as well.”

Nutting has great respect for the work that Shapiro and his team have done in uniting so many people, corporations and agencies to participate in the planning and execution of the revitalization project. He believes that greatly enhances the opportunities for success.

“There’s no question [about] that,” Nutting said. “We’ve seen for decades that strong local community leaders have made a real impact here in Pittsburgh. Now, again, real leaders are stepping up and committing to the community and committing to Downtown Pittsburgh.

“The Pirates are proud to be part of that.”