Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration has approved a $1.25 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant for Bowman Field stadium to continue to meet the needs of the Williamsport Crosscutters’ minor league baseball team and other community institutions.

“I am very happy that we are receiving state dollars for the second phase of this project,” Mayor Gabriel J. Campana said. “By completing the second phase of the project it will ensure Crosscutters and minor league baseball will be in the city of Williamsport for many years to come. Many thanks to everyone who has worked very hard to make this happen, including our governor and state Sen. Gene Yaw.”

“The governor and Office of Budget wanted to make the investment in the city, and with the help of Sen. Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, approved the application because it knows the money will be spent wisely,” said Phillip Trometter, senior vice president of Penn Strategies, the city economic development consulting firm based in Harrisburg.

The first phase of the renovations is estimated to cost $2.3 million and includes a grandstand deck addition, box seating preparation, safety modifications and installation, perimeter and interior outfield fence replacement and video boards.

“We are obviously excited the grant will allow us to proceed with Phase II of the renovation project,” said William E. Nichols Jr., city finance director. “This grant completes the city’s commitment to the Crosscutters as contained in the four-year lease.”

Nichols expressed his appreciation to Wolf, his administration and the senator for their support in the project.

“Sen. Yaw spearheaded the effort to get the commitment from the state,” Nichols said. “We certainly appreciate his effort and the governor’s and their recognizing the importance of this facility and the continued relationship the city has with the Crosscutters.”

The grant requires a match, and the first phase of the project is the match for the grant, he said.

“The deck project is under way and near completion,” he said. That was paid for using non-state funds, or local funds, he said.

The city has a history of receiving such grants for improvements to the Carl E. Stotz Jr. Memorial Little League Bridge (Market Street Bridge), Trade and Transit II and Kohl’s and William Street redevelopment projects, Trometter said.

“With better amenities, especially for sports and recreation, it is better for tourism and for the economic in general,” Trometter said. “Today’s families, especially those going for the first time, want to go to see a great baseball game but also go for the experience,” he said.