A Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant application for $7 million was approved by the Lycoming County Commissioners at their meeting this week. The county is applying for the grant on behalf of the Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT).

According to information from the college, “To meet enrollment and equipment space needs, PCT proposes a new building at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center (ESC) campus (on the 25 acres along Rt. 15) to provide more lab space for up to 60 new students/year and additional state-of-the-art technology. A new building would also improve the arrival sequence to the ESC campus location.”

Housed at the center are diesel technology programs including Diesel Tech (AAS), Heavy Equipment Tech (Technician or Caterpillar emphasis) (AAS) and Electric Power Generation Tech (AAS).

“All produce highly qualified graduates to fill skilled technician shortages and are at maximum enrollment capacities, due to lab space constraints,” according to Katie Bell, vice president, Communications & Marketing and Public Relations & Marketing at the college.

“Employer recruitment demand exceeds current graduate numbers,” Bell stated.

The commissioners also approved the RACP grant application for the new coroner’s building in the amount of $1 million.

Under personnel, Tamara Loreman will serve as a resident supervisor at the Pre-Release Center, a full-time union position at $19.20 per hour, and Dustin Springman will be a full-time truck driver/floater at Resource Management Services at $20 per hour.

The next commissioners’ meeting will be at 10 a.m. Sept. 25 in the Commissioners’ Board Room, third floor, Third Street Plaza, 33 W. Third St.