Pennsylvania legislators announce natural gas expansion investment

On Tuesday, Pennsylvania Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Rep. Joe Hamm (R-84) announced the state had awarded Muncy Township in Lycoming County more than $552,000 for a natural gas line expansion.

Funded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE), the funds will be used to install natural gas lines to a redevelopment project of the Lycoming County Mall development area in the Lycoming Valley. The development consists of 140 acres that will turn the mall into a vibrant, mixed-use shopping, hospitality, residential and entertainment area.

“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,” 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.”

The project is anticipated to create more than 100 full-time jobs, officials said.

“Redeveloping the Lycoming Mall site will allow this 100+ acre property to once again be the active center of Muncy Township,” 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.”