HARRISBURG – State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), state Rep. Jamie Flick (R-83) and state Rep. Joe Hamm (R-84) announced $6,534,088 in funding to assist low-income individuals, combat food insecurity and improve distressed areas has been awarded in Lycoming County through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP).
“The Neighborhood Assistance Program allows businesses, communities and organizations to work together to revitalize our neighborhoods and improve access to job opportunities, quality education and affordable housing,” Yaw said. “I appreciate working with Rep. Flick and Rep. Hamm to support these worthy projects in Lycoming County.”
“DCED’s Neighborhood Assistance Program is a win-win-win for businesses, nonprofits and the many community members who benefit from nonprofit missions,” said Flick. “A wide variety of services are made available through these partnerships, from food security programs to housing, youth development and education. It’s a pleasure to partner with Sen. Yaw and Rep. Hamm to advocate for these funds, and I appreciate the collaboration and support for Northcentral Pennsylvania.”
“Our communities are strongest when we work together, and we are blessed by great organizations that dedicate themselves to helping our residents facing food insecurity, homelessness, unemployment and a lack of childcare, as well as those that aim to improve opportunities for our young people,” Hamm said. “I am happy to work with Sen. Yaw to help these organizations continue their great work for the people of Lycoming County.”
Among the largest awards, the Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation received $945,000 to renovate and expand its heavy equipment operator facility and modernize classrooms, labs and student spaces.
“Penn College is incredibly grateful to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for this significant investment in workforce development and community advancement,” said Penn College President Dr. Michael J. Reed. “Our heavy equipment operator program is in high demand, and this funding will enable critical renovations and expansions to our facility, thus increasing our capacity to serve current and future students while ensuring they have access to the state-of-the-art, hands-on education needed to succeed in construction and heavy equipment careers.”
The following projects were also awarded funding:
- Central Pennsylvania Food Bank – $5,100,000 to provide nutritious food to neighbors struggling with food security throughout its 27-county service territory.
- Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity – $139,950 to construct an affordable home in Williamsport.
- Camp Susque Inc. – $186,300 to build critical day camp infrastructure.
- Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP, Inc.) – $105,750 to assist local families with housing security and self-sufficiency.
- American Rescue Workers Inc., Williamsport – $47,088 to help address chronic homelessness and unemployment through workforce development and life-skills programming.
- Firetree Place – $5,850 to provide access to affordable, licensed childcare programs during after-school hours.
- American Rescue Workers Inc., Williamsport – $3,250 to support the continued operation of food recovery and distribution efforts.
- Juvenile Uplifting Mentoring Program, Inc. – $900 to provide a summer camp offering hands-on learning and outdoor activities.
The funding was part of more than $71 million awarded to 443 statewide projects through NAP, which provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities. Through NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on the contributions they make to a qualifying community project. Legislation to expand NAP was sponsored by Yaw and state Sen. Nick Miller (D-14) and included in the 2024-25 state budget.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Weitzel (Yaw)
717-787-3280
Patricia Hippler (Hamm)
717-773-9846
Andrew Forgotch (Flick)
717-772-9905