Lycoming, Union Counties to receive infrastructure funding

Williamsport, Pa. — Residents of Lycoming and Union counties can expect major improvements in infrastructure, state legislators announced this week.

The counties will receive $2,220,662 in state funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF), shared State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), State Rep. Joe Hamm (R-84), State Rep. Jamie Flick (R-83) and State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-76).

“Maintaining and improving our roads and bridges is an essential component of ensuring the safety and mobility of residents and other commuters who travel them each day,” Yaw said. “I’m pleased to see significant state investment in strengthening and improving our local critical infrastructure.”

In Lycoming County, $710,691 was awarded to the Jersey Shore Borough for culvert and roadway improvements to Hazel Alley Bridge across Pfouts run and roadway improvements from the Pine Creek Rail Trail to the boat launch at the Susquehanna River West Branch. Additionally, Muncy Borough was awarded $121,800 for the rehabilitation of the Carpenter Street Bridge.

“I was pleased to support these grant requests from Jersey Shore Borough and Muncy Borough,” Hamm said. “I will continue to make sure the 84th House District has transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of our residents and our small businesses.”

Union County Planning and Economic Development was awarded $1,388,171 to replace six municipally owned bridges in Hartley Township, Lewis Township, New Berlin Borough, West Buffalo Township and White Deer Township.

“The residents and businesses of Union County, as well as the tourists and commuters we serve, deserve bridges and roadways that are in good condition,” Flick said. “I am thrilled this award secures the additional funding that county officials and municipal leaders were seeking to fill the gap in funding so they may move forward to complete the necessary construction for these six municipally owned bridges in poor condition. My thanks to the Department of Transportation for recognizing and responding to our needs and to Sen. Gene Yaw for his steadfast support and partnership in advocating for critical infrastructure funding for our area.”

“I am grateful to see high quality bridge replacements coming to Union County,” Borowicz said. “Five of the worst conditioned bridges are in my district and I am thrilled the structural issues are being addressed.”

“The Union County Commissioners would like to recognize Planning Director Shawn McLaughlin for bringing this idea to us,” Board of Commissioners Chairman Preston Boop said. “We, along with our municipal partners, appreciate the investment of this transportation funding in our rural communities which will improve public safety, modernize our transportation system and position us to remain economically competitive. By having multiple levels of government all working together on this project, including support from our legislators, we are able to efficiently address an infrastructure need that positively impacts the daily lives of residents.”

The MTF provides financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies and ports and rail freight entities.

PennDOT selected 66 plans totaling over $51 million during this latest application round. Applications for the next round of funding for grants under the MTF will be accepted starting September 23.