Photo courtesy of Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company: Leaders of the Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company gather around the blueprints, envisioning the future as they review plans for the renovation and expansion.
Lewisburg, PA – The Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company (OLTVFC) has been awarded $500,000 through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Area Development Grant. The funding will support the renovation and expansion of OLTVFC’s Regional Training Center to meet growing demand for first responder training in Northcentral Pennsylvania.
SEDA-COG, working with OLTVFC and their consultant, completed the application that led to the funding award. The $500,000 ARC grant will be matched with $2,221,935 of state and local funds to complete the project.
The project will renovate 8,000 square feet of existing space and add 3,000 square feet to accommodate college live-in students and expand training offerings.
The enhanced facility will support OLTVFC’s Careers in First Response program, which aims to address the critical shortage of trained emergency personnel.
“As a former volunteer firefighter, I understand the need to recruit future volunteer firefighters, especially in rural areas,” wrote U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson in his letter of support for the OLTVFC application.
“Ensuring a steady supply of trained first responders is a critical need for the economy and safety of Central Pennsylvania. This project will make first response training more accessible and appealing to individuals interested in pursuing careers in this field,” he added.
According to the PA Department of Labor & Industry, Advance Central PA has identified Emergency Medical Technicians & paramedics as a High Priority Occupation due to its anticipated employment growth over the next decade (+15.5%).
This investment will help OLTVFC expand its reach and impact, creating up to 10 new jobs, including employment opportunities for first responders such as firefighters and paramedics, and serving Clinton, Lycoming, and Tioga Counties through enhanced career training in firefighting, emergency medical services, and healthcare professions.
“This project allows us to better serve our communities by preparing more individuals for careers in emergency response,” said OLTVFC President Tim Shumbat. “With expanded space and resources, we can train more students and volunteers who are essential to public safety in our region.”
About ARC
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC and the SEDA-COG Local Development District to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation.
About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.