In response to a call from GlobeSt.com, Jeanne A. Leonard, vicepresident of the Malvern, PA-based REIT, says, "We are stillevaluating the project and are not in a position to commit todevelopment at this point." She released a statement fromHankowsky, which was prefaced with an explanation that the fundingwould contribute to "the construction of various public spaces,amenities, and infrastructure improvements to (the proposedproject)."We appreciate the Commonwealth's decision to supportthese public improvements," Hankowsky says in part in thestatement, which concludes, "We continue to evaluate the future ofthe project, but we are encouraged by this expression of supportfor the One Pennsylvania Plaza project."

The $30 million, which was included in Gov. Ed Rendell's budgetand earmarked for summer, gained approval yesterday on conditionthat it also wins the approval of city council, which is a surebet. However, Liberty sought to have the land designated a KeystoneOpportunity Zone, which carries generous tax breaks, a move thatmet with vigorous opposition by owners of Downtown officebuildings.

Following the failure to grant KOIZ status to the project, inJuly the state Senate approved a lesser tax-reduction package bydesignating it an Economic Development District. However, thestate's House of Representatives failed to act on the legislation.Construction cost for the 60-story tower originally was estimatedat $400 million. Comcast had agreed to initially leaseapproximately half of the building.