ABC27 WHTM Corbett explains $2M grant for Specter library

Corbett explains $2M grant for Specter library

Gov. Tom Corbett has explained why he signed off on a $2 million grant for the Arlen Specter Library, even though he singled it out during his campaign as an example of wasteful spending.

"We campaigned about how the money was being used," Corbett said Thursday. "There was a commitment from the prior governor. It was a signed contract."

Corbett's predecessor, Ed Rendell, committed to the matching grant for the library at Philadelphia University as part of the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program, which matches financial commitments for civic development projects.

Rendell approved some $1 billion in grants as he prepared to leave the governor's post. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Rendell made $2 billion in such grants during his time in office, twice the amount made when former governors Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker were in the office.

"Was I wild about doing it?" Corbett said. "No."

But what about the possibility of just pulling the plug on the money; taking the $2 million and putting it into programs that were cut from the last two budgets.

"There was reliance upon those promises of the prior governor by those recipients," Corbett said.

A check of the Philadelphia University website adds credibility to Corbett's claim. A news release from July 2010 announces the grant and the beginning of construction.

"We looked at it," Corbett said. "Is there any reason we couldn't legitimately say no, we can't do it, other than just being mean."