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Three state lawmakers have announced over $2 million in funding from gaming revenue going to local projects in Lycoming, Union and Sullivan counties.
State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, state Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport and state Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township, described in news releases how the funding will be taken from the state Local Share Account fund generated by the state Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 71 of 2004), which provides for distributing gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within the state.
The projects: $400,000 for the completion of Lycoming College's baseball stadium at Brandon Park; $200,000 for design and engineering of a Williamsport Bureau of Police storage facility; $400,000 for sewer line expansion project in Gregg Township, Union County, and Brady Township, Lycoming County; $247,000 for equipment for students at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, $500,000 for Picture Rocks Volunteer Fire Co. and $125,805 for Endless Mountains Volunteer Fire Co. and other Sullivan County projects.
Additional projects: Loyalsock Township – $246,381 to purchase a bucket truck; Montgomery Borough – $174,352, on behalf of Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department, to replace radios; South Williamsport Borough – $250,000 to make road improvements and infrastructure improvements in the borough; White Deer Township – $92,147 to replace playground equipment at West Milton Memorial Park.
Aviation and heavy equipment education
Pennsylvania College of Technology will receive the funds to purchase equipment for their Aviation and Heavy Equipment Operations degree programs for their facilities located in Montoursville and Brady Township.
This project aims to secure classroom equipment for Penn College's Aviation and Heavy Equipment Operations degree programs. To support the Aviation Program, the college will purchase an AC Electric Aircraft Ground Power Unit (GPU) and a DC Electric Aircraft GPU which will provide necessary power to use avionic training aids for specific learning objectives. To support the Heavy Equipment Operations program, the college will purchase a motor grader with GPS to teach earthmoving and grading. With these pieces of equipment, PCT will be able to meet all of the learning objectives for their students in these programs.
"Penn College is honored to accept this grant award in support of our aviation and heavy equipment programs, both of which continue to see strong enrollment growth," said Penn College President Dr. Michael J. Reed.
"As technology rapidly evolves across these industries, it is essential that our students learn using the same advanced, industry-standard equipment they will encounter in the workforce. This funding will help us maintain state-of-the-art learning environments and enhance the hands-on educational experiences that prepare graduates for long-term career success."
"Investing in the equipment students need to train for in-demand careers is an investment in the future of our workforce," Yaw said. "At the same time, maintaining the infrastructure that serves residents, businesses and major employers is critical to keeping our communities strong. These projects address both needs, and I was pleased to join Rep. Flick in supporting them."
"I'm pleased to share news of continued support in our district for hands-on training in the high-demand careers of aviation and heavy equipment operation," said Flick. "Investments in our educational programs and students directly benefit our future workforce and economy. Of equal importance is ensuring our infrastructure is keeping up with growing demand. Both of these projects make good sense, and I am thankful for Sen. Yaw's valued partnership in projects that strengthen our region."
Warriors' stadium completion
"Completing Lycoming College's baseball stadium will provide student-athletes with a first-class facility and add another recreational asset for our region, while the funding for Williamsport's Bureau of Police will provide the space and resources needed to better serve the city. I was pleased to support both of these projects," Yaw said. "Each of these investments will have a lasting impact on the Williamsport community," he said
The Economic and Community Growth Corporation of Lycoming County, on behalf of Lycoming College, was awarded funds for the completion of the college's baseball stadium construction. The final work on the stadium includes constructing two new 45-bleacher sections, one stadium seating section, a press box and connecting sidewalks, along with related site work and utilities.
"We are grateful to Sen. Yaw and the CFA for their support of this important project," said Lycoming College President Chip Edmonds. "The completion of our baseball stadium represents a significant investment in the student-athlete experience and in the continued growth of our campus. This funding will also support a premier athletic facility that will serve as a meaningful community asset to the greater Williamsport region. As a city steeped in our nation's baseball tradition, Lycoming College is honored to be a vital part of that legacy."
Police storage space
The City of Williamsport was also awarded the funds for the design and engineering costs of converting a storage building for police department use. The bureau's Special Response Unit will use the space to hold property, evidence and impounded vehicles and will also renovate an existing pole shed. The final design includes a feasibility study, detailed design work, preparation of bidding and contract documents and engineering.
Sewer line rehabilitation
Gregg Township Municipal Authority was awarded funds for a sewer line rehabilitation project in Gregg Township, Union County, and Brady Township, Lycoming County. The Authority's service area spans both townships and serves 233 residential customers, numerous commercial businesses, the Lycoming RMS landfill and the Federal Correctional Complex Allenwood Facility. Funding will be used for the rehabilitation of segments of the sanitary sewer lines, identifying and grading defects to prioritize repairs and cleaning the lines to remove existing blockages.
Volunteer fire companies improvements
Picture Rocks Volunteer Fire Company will receive funds to renovate and modernize their existing fire station. The fire company plans to raise their main truck bay roof by four feet to accommodate taller fire trucks, which will include updates to lighting, ventilation, and new 14-foot overhead doors. They also intend to convert their general meeting room into male and female sleeping quarters and restrooms to support a 24-hour regional ambulance service. Additionally, the fire company will demolish and replace outdated, non-handicap accessible restrooms next to the banquet room. The new facilities will comply with current ADA standards to ensure accessibility for all patrons. The completion of these facility upgrades will help the station meet today's emergency services standards.
Endless Winds Volunteer Fire Company will receive the funds to renovate and modernize their aging fire station in Fox Township, Sullivan County. In addition to flooring repairs and repainting, the project includes an expansion to accommodate office space, sleeping quarters, and community and fundraising space. Proposed additions to the property also include more storage space and a freestanding pavilion next to the building. Hamm in the release also noted he had a role in helping to secure the funding for the college equipment for the aviation and heavy equipment programs.
"As a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, public safety is one of my top priorities," Hamm said. "I was honored to secure these grants and will continue to do everything I can to make sure our volunteer fire companies have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. I also strongly support workforce development opportunities so our young people have the necessary skills to find jobs with family sustaining wages."
Wastewater treatment
Davidson Township will receive $224,000 for wastewater treatment plant improvements for the Sonestown Sewer System Improvements Phase II Project. Sonestown sits along Muncy Creek and has experienced many high-water flooding events. This has caused overflows and damage to their wastewater treatment plant. To address the deficiencies in their wastewater treatment plant that causes flooding, control and isolation valves will be replaced and an earthen berm will be constructed around the sand filter beds to increase flood resiliency. These improvements will dramatically improve flood resiliency and prevent future damage to the wastewater treatment plant.
Modernization
Sullivan County will receive $206,122 for upgrades to the Sullivan County Medical Center in Laporte. The Sullivan County Medical Center will replace their failing 1978 multizone HVAC system with a modern, energy-efficient VAV system to address unreliable temperature control, high humidity, and poor indoor air quality. The project includes removing outdated equipment, installing new air-handling and control components, updating sensors and programming, and completing full testing and commissioning. These upgrades will restore proper climate control across five zones, improve comfort and safety, and help keep healthcare services affordable for our rural community in Sullivan County.