HARRISBURG –State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and State Rep. Joe Hamm (R-84) today announced $552,084 in state funding has been awarded to a project in Muncy Township, Lycoming County through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE).
Yaw and Hamm said the funds 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 consisting of 140 acres that will transform the mall into a vibrant, mixed-use shopping, hospitality, residential, and entertainment destination.
“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,” Sen. Yaw said. “As sponsor of legislation establishing the Pipeline Investment Program, I am pleased to see our region continue to benefit from this funding. I am thankful to Rep. Hamm and our local officials for their support to help make these projects a reality.”
“Redeveloping the Lycoming Mall site will allow this 100+ acre property to once again be the active center of Muncy Township,” Rep. Hamm said. “This grant award continues to move this redevelopment closer to reality. I was glad to support this grant award as I know the benefits it will have for the residents and taxpayers of the 84th District.”
“We very much appreciate the continued support by the Commonwealth and the ongoing advocacy of our redevelopment project by Sen. Yaw and Rep. Hamm,” Ara Kervandjian, a representative for the developer, said. “Since our acquisition last June, we’ve continued to work on The District’s redevelopment design plans, which include significant modifications and upgrades to the utility service, some of which is 40 years old or non-existent, like natural gas service. Tenants today are more cost-conscious than ever, and The District needs to answer “Yes” when asked if natural gas is available to attract tenants.”
Yaw and Hamm said it is anticipated the project will result in the creation of over 100 full time jobs. “The District is a large project with multiple phases and redevelopment stages. Today’s award assists us in continuing to move forward to achieve our vision and the project’s inevitable success,” Kervandjian added.
The PIPE program was crafted by Senator Yaw and included in the state’s 2016 Fiscal Code, whereas it was later approved by the State Legislature. The program provides grants to construct the last few miles of natural gas distribution lines to business parks, existing manufacturing, and industrial enterprises, which will result in the creation of new economic base jobs in the commonwealth while providing access to natural gas for residents.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com and Representative Hamm’s website at www.RepJoeHamm.com.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel (Sen. Yaw)
717-787-3280
Erik Houser (Rep. Hamm)
570-546-2084