WILLIAMSPORT, PA – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, today toured sites of recent development in downtown Williamsport, retracing his steps from a 2009 tour when many of the completed revitalization projects he viewed today were only in the planning stages.
“The progress I witnessed in Williamsport today is a testament to the hard work, perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit that defines this city and our Commonwealth,” said Senator Casey. “Williamsport was able to take significant steps toward economic development during a tough national economic climate.”
Senator Casey was joined on the tour by Mayor Gabe Campana, Director of Administration William Nichols, Director of Economic Development John Grado and local business leaders.
The tour began at the Church Street Transportation Center, which houses Susquehanna Transit buses and served as a catalyst for the second stop on the tour, the new Marriott Hotel.
Senator Casey then stopped at Kohl’s department store, which was in the planning stages when Senator Casey visited in 2009 but is now an anchor for jobs and retail in downtown Williamsport.
The tour wrapped up at the Trade and Transit II site, which has the potential to host a mix of commercial and residential space as well as additional parking, which is critical to the continuation of business development downtown.
Senator Casey recently announced a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation going to River Valley Transit. The grant will go toward construction of a compressed natural gas fueling facility and the purchase of compressed natural gas vehicles.
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