State visit spotlights college partners' standing as transit magnets

Pennsylvania College of Technology's hands-on role in two community-enhancement projects was cited Wednesday by President Michael J. Reed, who also spoke before the State Transportation Commission on the region's ongoing need for dependable commercial airline service.
 
Reed was among a number of presenters on behalf of the Williamsport Area Transportation Study Metropolitan Planning Organization during a Williamsport Regional Airport tour that preceded the commission's quarterly business meeting.
"Our region would benefit greatly from the restoration of regular commercial air service, which has been lacking here since 2021," he told commission representatives, noting the area is home to nearly 200,000 people as well as six colleges and universities – two within Williamsport itself.

"The lack of a commercial carrier impedes the region's economic growth, often compelling residents in our communities to travel for hours to access the closest airport with the service they require," Reed said. "Restoration of that service is foundational to the continued economic growth and development of the Greater Williamsport area and the Northcentral Pennsylvania region."

The president's remarks also recounted how the college's unique academic mission is integral to providing students with the skill sets needed in the crucial transportation and infrastructure sectors that drive the region’s economy.

"Our region’s employers tell us often that they will hire as many graduates as we can produce," he said. "In fact, our College Relations Office reports that we currently have nearly 150 Penn College alumni employed by PennDOT!"

Facilitating better access to the airport in Montoursville is the goal of the Montour Street Airport Connector project, which Penn College – with its adjacent Lumley Aviation Center – is assisting.

"The college is partnering with PennDOT, the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority and Montoursville Borough to create a second access point to the airport," he explained. "There will be a new intersection of Airport Road and South Montour Street in front of the Aviation Center, and we are providing a right-of-way in the area of our parking lots and college sign. We are happy to assist with this project."

The Aviation Center is where instruction takes place for Penn College's aviation maintenance technology bachelor-degree students, aviation technology associate-degree students, and aviation maintenance technician certificate students. It is also the site where the college's Workforce Development division partners with Lycoming Engines – a renowned manufacturer of aircraft engines – to offer training to incumbent workers.

Reed also endorsed a Susquehanna River Walk extension project and improvements to the Maynard Street Corridor, 6 miles west of the airport, that "will provide a boon to students, faculty, staff and visitors to our main campus."

Penn College is partnering with Lycoming County and its Planning & Community Development Department for the River Walk extension, and is a member of the project's steering committee.

"The proposed extension routes through the Penn College campus for three-quarters of a mile along its southern boundary, as well as our Maynard Street frontage. It adds a 10-foot-wide paved and lighted multi-use trail separating users from vehicle traffic," the president said. "We envision the Susquehanna River Walk extension offering a wealth of recreational opportunities (walking, biking, nature observation and more) to our 4,500 students and 1,200 employees, while further enhancing our vibrant connections to the local community."

Other participants were Richard Howell, the airport's executive director; Lycoming County Commissioner Scott L. Metzger; Frank G. Pellegrino, chair of the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority; Todd Hunter, North Shore Railroad marketing director; Mark Murawski, Lycoming County transportation planner; and Kent Trachte, president of Lycoming College.

After the tour and presentations, commission members traveled by van back to Williamsport for their business meeting.