LANCASTER TWP — More than $1 million of state grant money has been awarded to a development on Route 19.

Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday that Arden Woods was awarded $1.5 million to assist in construction and infrastructure improvements as laid out in plans for the development.

“This is an investment in the people and economy of Butler County that will help to make housing more affordable for hundreds of families,” Wolf said in a news release. “By supporting the construction of new housing and infrastructure improvements, we will help the township to attract more residents who will shop at local stores and expand the tax base.”

The development will feature 254 single-family homes, 36 duplexes and a clubhouse.

Supervisors approved the plans at their July 16 meeting, and township officials are working to finalize the developer’s agreement so work can begin.

Don Rodgers, owner and president of Creative Real Estate Development, said he plans to begin work on the development within 30 days.

“The important thing about this is this area is going to be the fastest-growing area in Pittsburgh,” he said.

Rodgers credited Cranberry Township’s rapid development to short drive times to major hubs, something Lancaster Township now has with quick access to Route 228.

“It’ll take exactly nine minutes and 38 seconds to get to Route 228,” he said. “This is in Lancaster Township, my other projects are in Jackson Township. Both municipalities are very inviting to do development.”

State Rep. Jim Marshall, R-14th, also emphasized the importance of area infrastructure.

“This project will ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to support growth in Lancaster Township,” said Marshall, whose district includes the township.

The funds were supplied through a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant.

In addition to supporting the development’s residential construction, funds will also go to building a three-quarter-mile access road to the development and the Rex Energy/Dorsch Well Pads as well as site infrastructure including sewer, water, storm sewers, utilities and roads.

“It is a tremendous boon to making sure they have the necessary infrastructure they need,” said Benjamin Kramer, township manager.

The development has been in the works for years and was originally planned to feature around 580 units in a mixed-use development. This changed over time to the 326-unit plan it is today.

Arden Woods did not return messages left seeking comment on the planned development.