The Lycoming County Planning Commission at its recent meeting approved a land development proposal for a state recreational site in Watson Township.

A restroom facility, storage building and pavilion are planned for the Whitetail Contact Station along the Pine Creek Rails to Trails off Route 44 north of Furnace Run Road.

The plan also calls for improving parking at the site.

It was noted that township supervisors had reviewed the plan.

In other matters, the Commission discussed an amendment for event venues.

It was noted that in some parts of the county including commercial districts hours of operation are limited while others have no restrictions.

“I struggle with this when we can dictate to a business when they can be in operation,” Commission Chairman Joseph Reighard said.

It was agreed to take up the issue again at the May meeting.

Planning Director Shannon Rossman reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is asking municipalities to approve the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

By approving the plan, municipalities become eligible for disaster relief funds.

“We will do multiple outreaches to municipalities to ensure they don’t miss out,” she said.

Rossman also reported that Mark Haas has been hired as the planning department’s subdivision and land development administrator, a position formerly held by Josh Billings.

In the meantime, vacancies for hazard reduction planner and community and economic development planner are expected to soon be filled.