Lycoming News

State Senator Gene Yaw and State Representative Joe Hamm have announced that a project in Muncy Township, Lycoming County, has been awarded $552,084 in state funding. The funding comes from the Commonwealth Financing Authority's Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) and will be used to install natural gas lines to the District at Lycoming Valley.

"The District" is a redevelopment project of the Lycoming County Mall development area, which aims to transform the mall into a vibrant, mixed-use shopping, hospitality, residential, and entertainment destination. Senator Yaw expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating, "Projects supported by PIPE grants serve to connect businesses, industrial sites, municipalities, and residents to natural gas to ensure they benefit from having access to Pennsylvania's abundant, low-cost energy source."

Representative Hamm also expressed his support for the grant award, emphasizing the benefits it will bring to the residents and taxpayers of the 84th District. He said, "Redeveloping the Lycoming Mall site will allow this 100+ acre property to once again be the active center of Muncy Township."

Ara Kervandjian, a representative for the developer, expressed gratitude for the support of Senator Yaw and Representative Hamm, saying, "We very much appreciate the continued support by the Commonwealth and the ongoing advocacy of our redevelopment project." Kervandjian also highlighted the importance of natural gas service in attracting tenants, stating, "Tenants today are more cost-conscious than ever, and The District needs to answer 'Yes' when asked if natural gas is available."

The project is expected to create over 100 full-time jobs and will be implemented in multiple phases and redevelopment stages. Kervandjian expressed confidence in the project's success and its ability to achieve its vision.

The PIPE program, which provides grants for the construction of natural gas distribution lines, was crafted by Senator Yaw and included in the state's 2016 Fiscal Code. The program aims to create new economic base jobs in Pennsylvania while providing access to natural gas for residents.

For more information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw's website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com and Representative Hamm's website at www.RepJoeHamm.com.