Commissioners act on land development that may bring jobs to area
Lycoming County commissioners on Tuesday took action toward development of property they claim could mean more jobs for the area.
Toward that end, they approved a $12,204 agreement with Larson Design Group for engineering services for the Timber Run Industrial Development across from the county landfill.
In recent weeks, commissioners have briefly discussed the possibility of at least two companies interested in the vacant land, designated a Keystone Opportunity Zone.
Commissioner Scott Metzger said Tuesday that the county is very close to a sales agreement with one company.
“The goal is to get jobs in the community,” Commissioner Rick Mirabito said. “This is a further effort to generate jobs.”
Mirabito said while he is somewhat cool to the idea of Keystone Opportunity Zones, which provide tax forgiveness to companies, they are simply part of doing business.
“We do these things to remain competitive,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s going to help us.”
Commissioners approved $948,000 in PHARE funding for several local agencies.
The seven projects are targeted to meet unmet housing needs for people in the community.
Recipients are:
• American Rescue Workers, Rental Assistance Program, $100,000.
• Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity, Memorial Homes, $63,000.
• Transition Living Centers, Master Leasing Program, $200,000.
• YWCA, Liberty House, $70,000.
In addition, STEP, Inc. will receive a total of $515,000 for the Regional Homes-in-Need, Supportive Housing and the Urgent Need Home Repair programs.
Commissioners approved the 2020 State Homeland Security Grant contract with Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The multi-county $559,522 agreement helps identify and plan for acts of terrorism.
Commissioners approved a $153,112 agreement with Lycoming County United Way to administer homeless assistance program grants.
In personnel action, commissioners voted to hire Gregory L. Bonsall as conservation district manager at an annual salary of $50,548. He replaces Mark Davidson who is retiring from the job.
In other matters, commissioners approved:
• A sublease agreement with Williamsport Area School District to locate radio antenna and equipment at the county’s Bald Eagle and Shriver’s Ridge radio tower.
• The purchase of two central scanners for $54,182 from Clear Ballot Hardware to help Voter Services with ballot counts.
• An agreement with PennBid to manage the county’s bid process. It was noted that state-of-the-art electronic services offered by PennBid will help streamline the process.