HARRISBURG – State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced that two state grants from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) have been awarded to Lycoming College and Lycoming Engines headquartered in the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County.
Grants approved today will be used for construction, reconstruction acquisition and infrastructure improvements at both locations.
Lycoming College will receive $2 million in RACP funding for the construction of a new Gateway Building, which will be located on the southern edge of campus and provide a new home for the admissions office, the Center for Enhance Academic Experiences, and the Outdoor Leadership and Education program. The building will serve as the entrance to the Old City/East Third Street Gateway area, and is designed to encourage private investment and bring renewed cultural and economic vibrancy; a critical component to the revitalization of this historic City.
Lycoming Engines, an operating division of Avco Corporation (a Textron Inc. business), which specializes in engineering, manufacture, service and support of piston aircraft engines, will also receive $2 million in RACP funds to enhance its current facility in Williamsport in preparation for the installation of new equipment. Funds will be used to partially demolish and reconstruct another building on site. The renovations will improve efficiency, while creating an estimated 33 new positions and help sustain 400 current positions. Lycoming piston engines power more than half of the world’s general aviation fleet.
“The funding awarded today will allow both Lycoming College and Lycoming Engines to remain competitive in today’s environment,” Yaw said. “Whether it’s private industry or academia, both must think and prepare for the long-term. In doing so, Lycoming College and Lycoming Engines will be better positioned for the future. I was pleased to advocate for both of these projects and happy to see that they received this state investment.”
The RACP announcement came on the heels of over $1 million in funding awarded through the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) for the Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc., the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Trehab and the Commission on Economic Opportunity that all serve Yaw’s Senate District.
Administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, NAP provides tax credits to enable businesses and community organizations to invest in projects that serve distressed areas or support conservation efforts.
RACP is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
CONTACT:
Rita Zielonis, Chief of Staff
(717) 787-3280