Penn College's Schneebeli Earth Science Center, which includes facilities for the college's forest technology degree. Federal funds will support enhancements to the forestry building and recently upgraded sawmill.
Funding to support enhancements to the forestry program’s facility at Penn College’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center is included in the federal government’s 2026 Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) announced Friday.
“From ensuring clean drinking water to strengthening workforce training, this funding delivers real, lasting benefits for Lycoming County,” said Congressman Meuser. “Investments in Williamsport’s water infrastructure will safeguard water quality, expand system capacity and support future growth, while hands-on mill training at Pennsylvania College of Technology will equip students for well-paying careers in one of the region’s most vital industries. I was glad to partner with the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority and Penn [College] to secure these investments that will continue to benefit local families and employers for years to come.”
"This vital funding puts the college another step forward in the development of Penn College's Forest Products Training Center,” said Patrick Marty, chief government and international relations officer at the college. "With donor support, the college recently upgraded its industry-grade Wood-Mizer LLC sawmill, and this federal support to improve the related infrastructure will not only enhance the college's undergraduate forestry program, but also provide continuing education and up-skilling opportunities for incumbent timber production management professionals."
"The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s nearly $40 billion hardwoods industry is older than America, and education in and around the sustainable harvesting, grading, processing and marketing of Pennsylvania wood products has been in Penn College's DNA since its 1914 founding, when the City of Williamsport was the 'The Lumber Capital of the World,’” he added.
The funding request was championed by Congressman Meuser, and supported by state agencies including the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; the Keystone Wood Products Association and many other industry partners; and the Lycoming County Commissioners.
Learn more about Penn College's associate degree in forest technology at www.pct.edu/forestry.