Shapiro Administration Announces $20 Million in Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced $20 million in investments for Round 1A of the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. Pennsylvania was one of the first states to open a NEVI-funded charging station in December 2023, and the Shapiro Administration is moving efficiently to drive out federal funding and build critical transportation infrastructure ahead of other states. This funding represents another step in the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to combatting climate change and providing Pennsylvanians with transportation options that are cleaner, safer, more affordable, and more reliable. Twenty-nine projects in 19 counties across the state were selected to fill in gaps on the Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC) following NEVI Round 1. Charging stations will expand access to, and the reliability of, electric vehicle (EV) charging within Pennsylvania. The $20 million federal investment is part of the $171.5 million PennDOT will receive and distribute for EV charging infrastructure over five years through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). “Every federal dollar directed toward EV charging is one step closer to a vision of accessible and reliable infrastructure that supports electric transportation,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Pennsylvania, under the leadership of Governor Shapiro, has been among the states leading the charge to distribute NEVI funds to give drivers confidence while promoting sustained environmental benefits.” Together with Round 1 conditional awards announced in 2023, Pennsylvania has committed NEVI funding to 83 projects across 41 counties. In addition, PennDOT has released priority areas for NEVI Round 1B. The Round 1B Funding Opportunity is designed to fill gaps in the AFCs that remain following Round 1 and Round 1A awards. Additional details regarding the Round 1B Funding Opportunity will be released soon. A map of Round 1B priority areas can be found on the PennDOT website. The NEVI funds support the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of charging sites. The PA NEVI program is a reimbursement program and recipients are required to provide a minimum 20% match. PennDOT received 86 unique funding submissions requesting nearly $56 million for this round of investments. Round 1A projects selected for conditional awards: Adams County $652,736 to eCAMION USA, Inc. for a charging station at Perkins in Gettysburg (US-30, Mile Marker 212) Allegheny County $768,310 to EVgo Services, LLC for a charging station at Sheetz in Pittsburgh (I-76, Exit 48) Berks County $852,104 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Reading (US-422, Exit 316) Carbon County $451,353 to Universal EV, LLC for a charging station at Hampton Inn in Lehighton (I-476, Exit 74) Chester County $969,304 to CarCharge, LLC for a charging station at Marriot in Coatesville (US-30, Exit 293) $667,936 to Landhope Corporation for a charging station at Landhope Farms in Oxford (US-1, Exit 7) $907,508 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Phoenixville (US-422, Exit 347) Clearfield County $432,950 to BP Products North America, Inc. for a charging station at BP in Clearfield (I-80, Exit 120) Columbia County $797,125 to Reliance 3, LLC for a charging station at Your Choice in Bloomsburg (I-80, Exit 232) Cumberland County $750,000 to Applegreen Electric PA, LLC for a charging station at the PA Turnpike service plaza in Newburg (I-76, Mile Marker 202) $790,000 to Applegreen Electric PA, LLC for a charging station at the PA Turnpike service plaza in Carlisle (I-76, Mile Marker 219) $811,077 to Francis Energy PA, LLC for a charging station at McKinney Station Restaurant and Ice Cream in Newburg (I-76, Exit 201) Dauphin County $650,000 to Applegreen Electric PA, LLC for a charging station at the PA Turnpike service plaza in Middletown (I-76, Mile Marker 250) Delaware County $831,803 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Wayne (US-30, Mile Marker 317) $800,870 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Upper Darby (US-1, Mile Marker 46) $811,434 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Media (US-1, Mile Marker 36) Erie County $851,772 to Blink Network, LLC for a charging station at GetGo in Erie (I-79, Exit 184) Fulton County $281,934 to Tesla, Inc. for a charging station at 522 Pit Stop in Fort Littleton (I-76, Exit 180) Lancaster County $672,408 to Francis Energy PA, LLC for a charging station at Sheetz in Columbia (US-30, Exit 257) $556,424 to Lancaster Travel Places, LLC for a charging station at Lancaster Travel Plaza in Lancaster (US-30, Mile Marker 273) $622,333 to TH Minit Markets, LLC for a charging station at Turkey Hill Minit Market in Denver (I-76, Exit 286) Lebanon County $625,000 to Applegreen Electric PA, LLC for a charging station at the PA Turnpike service plaza in Lawn (I-76, Mile Marker 259) $731,099 to Francis Energy PA, LLC for a charging station at Sheetz in Palmyra (US-422, Mile Marker 276) Luzerne County $399,768 to FLO Services USA, Inc. for a charging station at Sonic in Hazelton (I-81, Exit 143) Lycoming County $737,106 to Sheetz, Inc. for a charging station at Sheetz in Muncy (I-180, Exit 13) $794,350 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Williamsport (I-180, Exit 28) Mercer County $704,968 to Francis Energy PA, LLC for a charging station at Shell in Mercer (I-80, Exit 15) Philadelphia County $815,120 to the Philadelphia Parking Authority for a charging station in Philadelphia (US-30, Mile Marker 331) Somerset County $281,694 to Tesla, Inc. for a charging station at Wendy’s in Somerset (I-76, Exit 110) For more information on NEVI funds in Pennsylvania visit the PennDOT website. Pennsylvania can compete for billions of dollars in federal funds across a wide range of federal grant programs through the BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). To help communities and organizations learn about these opportunities, PennDOT created a web page, www.penndot.pa.gov/IIJA, with details on federal grant opportunities to help municipalities, townships, and other community agencies with understanding the multiple transportation program grants that are available. The page includes Grant Alerts, guides, and links to important resources for local municipalities and organizations interested in pursuing federal funding opportunities. Information about state infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. Subscribe to local PennDOT news or statewide PennDOT news on the department’s website. Follow PennDOT on X and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
Penn State Scranton to Offer Summer Youth Programs As the summer months draw near, Penn State Scranton’s Center for Business Development and Community Outreach (CBDCO) department is gearing up for its popular Nittany Cub Summer Camps, offering a blend of fun and educational experiences for children. Penn State alumni and employees are eligible for exclusive discounts for these exciting camps. The Nittany Cub Summer Camps at Penn State Scranton are designed to engage children in various areas of interest, with a strong focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). Spanning four weeks from the second week of July to the first week of August, these camps aim to stimulate creativity and cater to different learning styles and capabilities. “We offer half-day weeklong camps from July 8 through Aug. 2, 2024,” Penn State Scranton’s CBDCO Education Specialist Jo Ann Durdan said. “Nittany Cub Camps are a great way for young campers to discover STEM/STEAM concepts while having fun and making friends.” Camp offerings include a wide range of activities, from engaging projects and crafts to participating in sports camps. Campers will have the opportunity to explore their interests while learning and developing skills in various disciplines by engaging in a wide range of projects and activities. Families interested in enrolling their children in these camps are encouraged to act fast, as some camps tend to sell out quickly. “We welcome you to become part of the Nittany Cub Camp family,” Durdan said, who herself is an alumna of Penn State. “As a personal story, my daughter Elizabeth had attended the summer camps, and since my husband is an alum, we were able to take advantage of the discount. This helped us financially to be able to send her to more than one camp. She loved all the camps that she attended and is now an instructor.” Penn State Scranton’s Nittany Cub Summer Camps have a long-standing tradition of providing children with memorable summer experiences, combining fun with a supportive environment. Parents are encouraged to review the Summer Youth Camps Policies and Information to stay updated on important details. For families seeking an enriching summer experience for their children, Penn State Scranton’s Nittany Cub Summer Camps offer a perfect blend of education and entertainment, creating lasting memories for young campers. Call the center at 570-963-2600 to register your child and for more information about special discounts for the children of campus alumni and employees.
Marywood University to Feature Art Exhibit with Opening Reception The Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art at Marywood University is featuring the exhibit, Illuminated: Color Photography in the Maslow Collection, from April 6 – June 28, 2024. An opening reception is set for Saturday, April 6, 1-4 p.m. in the Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art, located in the Shields Center for Visual Art on Marywood’s campus. Apart from the opening reception, the Maslow Study Gallery is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The exhibit and related events are free and open to the public. In conjunction with the Art Department’s courses in Color Photography, Black and White Photography, andHistory of Photography, this exhibition examines various subjects, forms, and methods used by photographers from the 1970s through the 1990s. Featured artists include: Harry Callahan, Robert Cumming, David Haxton, David Hockney, Barbara Kasten, Joel Meyerowitz, Denny Moers, Walter Winings Nelson, Ellen Phelan, Sandy Skoglund, Todd Watts, and William Wegman. For more information on Marywood art galleries, visit marywood.edu/galleries.
Lackawanna College Hosts Annual Golf Tournament for 2024 The Lackawanna College Athletics Department announces the return of the Lackawanna College Annual Golf Tournament. The 2024 tournament will be on Monday, June 3, at Elmhurst Country Club in Moscow, PA. Attendees are invited to a day of camaraderie and competition featuring activities like hole sponsors, closest-to-the-pin contests, longest drive competitions door prizes and raffles. The tournament starts with registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the club house, followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. At 5:30 p.m., dinner will be in the club house, with prizes awarded and raffle items drawn. “Lackawanna College distinguishes itself by offering higher education opportunities to students who seek to excel, both in the classroom and on the field,” Erik Larson, Director of Athletics at the College said. “The goal of this event is to gather Lackawanna College Athletics supporters, friends, coaches, and community members to raise funds for the Lackawanna College Athletics Department.” The tournament is open to teams of four and individual golfers, starting at $200 for single golfer registration, and $800 for a team. Proceeds from this event will support the needs of our student-athletes through various athletic department programming. Golfers and their teams interested in participating are encouraged to go to register early online. Parties interested in sponsoring the event can also find additional information on sponsorship packages and ways to get involved.
LIFE Geisinger Hosting Open Houses Across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania LIFE Geisinger locations are hosting open houses for employees and the community this spring. The open houses will feature tours of the facility, giveaways, refreshments and informal ways to learn about the LIFE Geisinger program. “We’re looking forward to opening our doors to our community members,” said Teena Kubasti, director of LIFE Geisinger. “Here at LIFE, we build stronger seniors — and these events let us showcase how our participants benefit. Guests will be able to meet our compassionate, experienced team members who coordinate care for those we serve, offering caregivers relief and support.” Join us at a LIFE Geisinger open house near you: Wednesday, April 10, 4 – 6 p.m. at LIFE Geisinger Schuylkill, 2 Lewis St., Minersville Wednesday, April 17, 4 – 6 p.m. at LIFE Geisinger Lewistown, 106 Derry Heights Blvd., Yeagertown Wednesday, April 24, 4 – 6 p.m. at LIFE Geisinger Wilkes-Barre, 592 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre Thursday, May 16, 4 – 6 p.m. at LIFE Geisinger Scranton, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton Geisinger Kulpmont will host an open house at a later time. A program for adults age 55 and older, LIFE Geisinger is designed to give seniors the support they need to live at home. You or your loved one can keep living independently while using our comprehensive daily living and health services. To RSVP for the event or to ask questions, call 800-395-8759.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Equipment Repair and Development a Constant, Evolving Mission For more than six decades, artisans at Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) have been at the forefront of repairing and employing automatic test equipment (ATE)to diagnose and test military equipment. That mission continues today, underscoring Tobyhanna’s commitment to supporting the joint warfighters of the past, present and future. ATE refers to test hardware with its own operating system software that enables users to assess the functionality of a weapons system, detect quality issues, and ensure applied corrective actions have been successful. The use of ATE benefits the depot in a variety of ways, from increasing the quality of repairs to reducing internal turnaround times and beyond. Historical records show a huge surge in ATE at Tobyhanna in the early 2000s. The increased need for ATE came after a significant amount of new workload arrived at the depot; the workload transitioned to TYAD after a Base Realignment and Closure Commission, which was focused on divesting excess capacity and property within the Department of Defense. TYAD’s ATE repair workload has represented one of its most constant but always evolving initiatives. For example, the Electronic Quality Assurance Test Equipment (also called the EQUATE system) has been a TYAD mission for over three decades. Used by servicemembers worldwide, the EQUATE is a test station used for multiple types of testing for wire assemblies in support of counterfire radar missions. Investments into ATE programs like the EQUATE are particularly fruitful for the depot because the positive results are two-pronged. In repairing, maintaining, and sustaining ATE, TYAD enjoys consistent workload that directly impacts readiness and saves lives. The maintenance of these systems also allows the depot to apply the testing capabilities of the ATE to other products depot artisans are preparing for our nation’s warfighters. The benefits of ATE utilization are many. If one were to walk through the plethora of production floor areas at TYAD today, several instruments used to perform tests on workload both old and new can be seen. These instruments help to ensure every asset being provided to our nation’s warfighters is up to the lofty Tobyhanna standard through increased efficiency and accuracy. Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to ATE. It will rack up multiple instruments and put it under PC control, eliminating the possibility of human error and centralizing several tests under one umbrella. It is capable of performing various tests at once even if the systems aren’t exactly the same, reducing the time it takes to ensure compliance across multiple workloads. In order to mitigate unforeseen issues, ATE can also be used to proactively ensure systems are functioning the way they are intended. This offers artisans at TYAD a huge boost in efficiency as they can be certain no time is being wasted by assembling something that has issues. Electronics Engineer David Zahorsky said the use of ATE helps alleviate the load on an employee’s shoulders. “In some shops, you may see individual instruments used to test specific things. For example, say you need to make a voltage measurement and you need to manually input a lot of information. The beauty of automatic test equipment is that you can automate all of those tests,” said Zahorsky. “For the purpose of completing an entire test document, it reduces the burden on technician personnel to have to make those individual tests. It also reduces mistakes that could potentially be made by missing a test or something like reading an instrument.” ATE utilization and the development of test program sets (TPS) can also be used as a means to see around corners when navigating systems and preparing to take on new workload. By frequently running self-test alignments the individuals working on the production floor can hit the ground running and start properly testing the technological components necessary for the equipment to function correctly. Just as assets change to meet the needs of the warfighter on an ever-evolving battlefield, so must the test procedures evolve. Combined hands-on and software repair and troubleshooting works in synergy with proactive TPS development and transition to ensure TYAD remains on the cutting edge into the future. TPS development is a key activity during the transition to sustainment for military assets, streamlining the repair process. Test Engineering Branch Chief Matthew Rhoades and his team build test programs to support new assets and workload. Four TPSs are being developed during the onboarding of the MQ-9 Reaper workload, according to Rhoades. “The TPSs developed in conjunction with public-private partnerships with L3Harris and General Atomics enable TYAD’s electronics personnel to screen LRUs at the beginning of the process to identify where the asset requires repair. Once repair is complete, assets are tested to validate the repair, ensuring the warfighter receives a quality product – every time.” While Rhoades and his team work to either build new TPSs or rehost them on new ATE, Production Equipment Branch Chief Wayne Swire and his team keep equipment up and running. Swire said the key to sustained ATE success for Tobyhanna lies in the present. “The key is having the capability in-house. By adding to our capabilities in the present, TYAD best positions itself to support warfighters on an evolving battlefield,” said Swire. In many ways, the future of ATE has already arrived at TYAD. The last couple of years have been marked by transition from legacy and sustainment systems like the EQUATE to new systems like the Air Force-standard Versatile Diagnostic Automatic Test Station (VDATS) and the Army-standard Next Generation Automated Test System (NGATS). While VDATSs have been at TYAD for a decade, the depot is scheduled to receive its first full rate production NGATSs this year. The VDATS has supported the aforementioned MQ-9 Reaper and depot personnel are ready to hit the ground running once the NGATS arrives to provide TPS capability for the AN/TPQ-53 Radar System. The utilization of ATE and the development of TPSs in conjunction with the precision and dedication of depot artisans ensures TYAD will continue to deliver on that mission now and into the future. The repair, sustainment, and development of ATE and TPSs directly aligns with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035, which has four focus areas: Invest in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications. TOBY2035 aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
Episode Eleven: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience is a few short weeks away. 46 regional speakers, 800 attendees, 40 vendors, and one seat for you. Purchase your tickets by April 19. Did You Know? The Chamber has numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year. You and your business can volunteer to work the Chamber’s Membership Campaign on May 7 and 8. Contact Mari Potis to sign up because you could “Sail Away” with awesome prizes. Momentum Magazine Check out April’s Momentum Magazine. Now available online. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Peoples Security Bank & Trust Announces Participation in EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company (PSBT) today announced that it is sponsoring the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee, taking place April 5-19, 2024. The EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee is a nationwide financial literacy challenge for students in grades 8-12. With 85 percent of Americans feeling stressed about the state of their finances according to a 2021 survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education, the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee provides an opportunity for students to learn the critical importance of saving and budgeting for short-term and long-term financial goals. The virtual challenge, created by Impact-as-a-ServiceTM education innovator EVERFI, and supported by leading financial institutions nationwide, features four short digital lessons followed by a capstone essay contest in which students share a short-term or long-term savings goal and outline their plan to achieve that goal. Three winners of the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee will receive a $500, $250, or $100 prize to jumpstart their savings goals. By competing in the challenge, participating students will gain new skills to create a personalized financial decision-making framework that they can apply to their lives now and in the future. Topics include how to save, set financial goals, budget, and invest. In addition to supporting the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee, PSBT’s partnership with EverFi allows local school districts the opportunity to provide an important educational supplement and gives children the best possible chance to achieve financial wellness. To learn more about the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee, visit https://peoples-security-bank.everfi-next.net/welcome/financial-bee-2024 and psbt.com.
Johnson College Hosts Debut Event for Ideal Saldi Hall Johnson College celebrated the opening of its new gateway building, Ideal Saldi Hall, during a debut event at its Scranton campus on April 3, 2024. Members of the Johnson College community and the Saldi family gathered for a glimpse at the newly constructed building that will serve as the official gateway to the College’s main campus. A program led by Johnson College’s President and CEO, Dr. Katie Leonard, marked the significance of the largest building project to date for Johnson College. She was proceeded during the program by Dave Boniello ’84, President of Simplex Industries; Matthew Michalek ’85, Vice President of Operations at L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc.; and Senator Marty Flynn, Pennsylvania 22nd Senatorial District. Ideal Saldi Hall is one of four components of the College’s comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, “Innovation at Work.” The building honors the legacy of Ideal T. Saldi, a Johnson College alum from the class of 1949. He and his wife, Frances, contributed $1 million to the College’s capital campaign, which is the largest gift from a Johnson College alum to date and will have a lasting impact on the school and its students. “At 19,000 sq. feet, this building provides a home to four labs, two general education classrooms, the most innovative and high-tech conference room in all of NEPA, and office space for staff that directly serve our students,” said Dr. Katie Leonard. Ideal Saldi Hall now houses student-facing departments including Enrollment, Financial Aid, and the Registrar, as well as programs including Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, and Mechatronics Technology. Construction of Ideal Saldi Hall began in 2022, following the public announcement of the capital campaign and the official reveal of the building, designed by WKL Architecture. Under the construction management of L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc., the building took shape quickly and was forged with the help of many of Johnson College’s industry partners and alumni. The building now sits on the former site of Richmond Hall, a piece of the original Willian H Richmond estate given to the College’s founder, Orlando S. Johnson, to fulfil his dream of creating a trade school for women and men. Mr. Boniello, who serves as the chairperson of the “Innovation at Work” capital campaign said, “Ideal Saldi Hall will provide the gateway into future decades of Johnson College students and will help to shape the future industry leaders, innovators, and workers that will not only make a difference in the area we live in but also the world.” The event concluded with an official ribbon cutting for the building.
