Saying God gave him the challenge to develop the former Westinghouse Electric Corp. plant in Sharon, James E. Winner Jr. said Monday he will reapply for a state grant through Sharon's Industrial Development Authority.

Last week the state informed local development agencies that a promised $7 million grant for Winner's Sharon company, Winner Development LLC, had been withdrawn. The grant was awarded conditionally in the spring of 2000 and required the company to provided information such as engineering studies and proof that matching funds were in place for the project. The state said the information was never provided, even though deadlines were extended several times.

When the grant-withdrawal came to light, a spokesman for Gov. Mark S. Schweiker said the company would have to reapply if it wanted another shot at the money.

But what remains unclear is if Winner Development will first have to secure a grant award before it can reapply for the funds. If so, that would chew up additional time -- up to a year, officials of local development agencies said.

A spokesman for Schweiker's office didn't return a message from The Herald on Monday.

In a news release, Winner said, "I personally felt strongly led by God to accept this challenge'' to develop the former transformer plant on Sharpsville Avenue.

Winner has harshly criticized the Mercer County Industrial Development Authority for foiling his plans to create a multi-tenant industrial park at the sprawling complex. MCIDA officials have said that, despite repeated pleas, Winner refused to provide state-mandated documentation for the project.

"My present intent is to reapply for the grant money through a cooperative (Sharon) IDA who really does want the project to succeed and the remedial work completed,'' Winner said. "As opposed to an agency, the application process and any future administrative work will be done by an experienced consultant.''

Sharon's IDA was resurrected a few months ago to process the original grant after Winner and MCIDA parted ways. But now, the city authority will be charged with applying for a new grant. John Dolan, authority chairman, was not available for comment on Monday.

For the project to proceed, Winner said, he needs God's help and the aid of the community.

"I ask all those who really care about this project to pray for its success,'' Winner said. "As believers, we know all things are possible with God's help and nothing is beyond his power to perform.''