DELTA - Northern Tier CEDS Report 11.2013.pdfpast seven years, the Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration has grown exponentially. The region is located at the very center of the

DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

EXISTING CONDITIONS (WHERE WE ARE TODAY) ................................................................................................... 4

BACKGROUND ON MARCELLUS SHALE GAS EXTRACTION ........................................................................................................ 4

Act 13 .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

INFRASTRUCTURE ........................................................................................................................................................... 6

Utilities .................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Marcellus Shale Impact – Natural Gas Transmission, Distribution and Storage ................................................... 7

TRANSPORTATION ........................................................................................................................................................ 11

Highways and Rail ............................................................................................................................................... 11

Public transportation services ............................................................................................................................. 18

Airports ............................................................................................................................................................... 19

Outdoor Recreation ............................................................................................................................................. 20

SOCIOECONOMIC TRENDS .............................................................................................................................................. 25

Population ........................................................................................................................................................... 25

Households and Household Size .......................................................................................................................... 27

Household Income ............................................................................................................................................... 28

Race and Ethnicity ............................................................................................................................................... 29

Education ............................................................................................................................................................ 29

Home Ownership................................................................................................................................................. 35

Housing Tenure ................................................................................................................................................... 35

Vacancy Status .................................................................................................................................................... 36

Home Value and Age of Housing ........................................................................................................................ 36

Income ................................................................................................................................................................ 40

INDUSTRY AND JOB TRENDS ........................................................................................................................................... 41

Unemployment ................................................................................................................................................... 41

Job Trends ........................................................................................................................................................... 42

Commute Patterns .............................................................................................................................................. 51

Travel to Work .................................................................................................................................................... 55

Location Quotient ............................................................................................................................................... 56

ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES ....................................................... 59

STRENGTHS ................................................................................................................................................................. 59

WEAKNESSES .............................................................................................................................................................. 60

OPPORTUNITIES ........................................................................................................................................................... 61

THREATS..................................................................................................................................................................... 63

NORTHERN TIER CURRENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS ........................................................................................ 64

Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission (NTRPDC) .......................................................... 64

Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) ....................................................................... 65

The University of Scranton and Wilkes University Small Business Development Centers ................................... 66

Progress Authority .............................................................................................................................................. 66

Sullivan County Office of Planning and Community Development ..................................................................... 67

Tioga County Development Corporation (TCDC) ................................................................................................. 67

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Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce ........................................................................................................... 68

Penn State University’s Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program ................................................................. 68

COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION .......................................................................................... 69

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SURVEY .................................................................................................................................... 69

MUNICIPAL SURVEY ...................................................................................................................................................... 72

STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS ............................................................................................................................................ 73

Strengths ............................................................................................................................................................. 73

Weaknesses......................................................................................................................................................... 74

Opportunities ...................................................................................................................................................... 74

Threats ................................................................................................................................................................ 76

FOCUS GROUPS ........................................................................................................................................................... 76

Bradford County .................................................................................................................................................. 76

Sullivan County .................................................................................................................................................... 78

Susquehanna County .......................................................................................................................................... 79

Tioga County ....................................................................................................................................................... 80

Wyoming County ................................................................................................................................................. 81

Common Threads ................................................................................................................................................ 82

VISION (“WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE?”) ............................................................................................................ 84

VISION STATEMENT, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................... 84

Vision................................................................................................................................................................... 84

Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................................................................... 84

Economy .............................................................................................................................................................. 84

Housing ............................................................................................................................................................... 87

Infrastructure ...................................................................................................................................................... 89

Natural Resources ............................................................................................................................................... 91

Tourism ............................................................................................................................................................... 92

Workforce Development ..................................................................................................................................... 93

STRATEGIC PROJECTS, PROGRAMS, AND ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................... 95

Top Priority Projects ............................................................................................................................................ 95

Complete Project List .......................................................................................................................................... 97

PERFORMANCE MEASURES................................................................................................................................ 104

EXHIBIT A – POPULATION CHANGE .................................................................................................................... 110

EXHIBIT B – MAPPING OF NORTHERN TIER ASSETS ............................................................................................ 113

PUBLIC AND NON-PROFIT FACILITIES .............................................................................................................................. 113

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL PARKS....................................................................................................... 116

HEALTHCARE, SENIOR SERVICES AND EDUCATION ............................................................................................................. 119

CULTURAL ASSETS ...................................................................................................................................................... 122

PARKS AND PUBLIC FACILITIES ....................................................................................................................................... 125

PAGE | 3 DELTA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC.

INTRODUCTION

Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier is a geographic region consisting of five rural counties in northeast

Pennsylvania: Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming. The Northern Tier encompasses

about 4,000 square miles and is home to approximately 182,600 residents. The region is cascaded with

gorgeous rural countryside and thriving small towns and communities. In addition to the counties, the

region includes 166 separate municipalities and 19 public school districts, resulting in one local

government for approximately every thousand residents.

Historically, the region has been slow to change. The economy typically followed and lagged behind

national and state trends. Over the years, when the U.S. economy and other areas of the state have

improved, the Northern Tier economy remained steady. Likewise, when the economy suffered, the

region also suffered, but not as severely. In recent years, the region has experienced many economic

changes with the emerging oil and gas industry cluster. In the past, the rugged nature of the topography

of the region has been a barrier to development; however, it is this topography, or rather the geological

formations under that topography, that has caused a boom in recent investment in the region. Over the

past seven years, the Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration has grown exponentially. The region is

located at the very center of the natural gas drilling that is taking place in the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania. It has already had and will continue to have a significant impact on population, economic

development, and the overall identity of the region.

The Northern Tier Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a five-year economic plan

to guide growth of jobs, development, and commerce in the Northern Tier region. The process for

developing the CEDS was built upon local and broad-based input and guidance, as well as the integration

of economic development planning. The CEDS focuses on new strategies and action steps to greatly

enhance the region’s economic opportunities.

This report identifies the key findings of a lengthy research process, a series of focus group sessions with

local businesses and municipal leaders, and a set of stakeholder interviews. Each recommendation

included in the report is related to improving the economic competitiveness and quality of life

opportunities for the Northern Tier region. As background for the findings presented, this report

includes:

An existing conditions report, including a background on the Marcellus Shale industry; conditions of

regional infrastructure and transportation; a socioeconomic profile of the region; and employment and

job trends;

An analysis of regional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and description of economic

development programs available within the region;

Findings from stakeholder interviews and focus group sessions; and

A regional vision statement and set of goals and objectives concerning the economy, housing,

infrastructure, natural resources, tourism, and workforce development.


EXISTING CONDITIONS (WHERE WE ARE TODAY)

This analysis will review the current economic conditions in the Northern Tier with respect to trends in

population, housing, income, and employment. It will also examine changes that have occurred as a

result of the Marcellus Shale gas extraction. Although the basic socioeconomic conditions have not

changed, the Marcellus Shale drilling activities represent an opportunity to change the economic

landscape for the Northern Tier counties. This section of the existing conditions report will highlight

areas that have been impacted by the Marcellus Shale gas extraction.

BACK G RO UND ON MARCELL US SH ALE GAS EX TRACTI ON

More than 350,000 oil and gas wells have been

drilled in Pennsylvania since the first commercial

oil well was developed in 1859 by Colonel Drake in

Titusville. Oil and gas exploration is regulated

under the state’s oil and gas laws (Oil and Gas Act,

Coal and Gas Resource Coordination Act, and Oil

and Gas Conservation Law), and the

environmental protection laws that include the

Clean Streams Law, the Dam Safety and

Encroachments Act, the Solid Waste Management

Act, and the Water Resources Planning Act.

In the Northern Tier, over 5,610 permits have

been issued from January 1, 2009, through May

2013; of these permits, a total of 2,645 wells have been drilled. Forty-two percent of the drilling activity

has occurred in Bradford County, followed by Tioga County with 29%, Susquehanna County with 22%,

Wyoming County with 4%, and Sullivan County with 3% of the drilling activity.

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Bradford 430 830 716 393 187

Sullivan 1 85 44 59 21

Susquehanna 155 230 280 313 123

Tioga 300 564 371 233 10

Wyoming 11 88 114 31 21

PA 6233 6592 5751 4090 1012

Nu

mb

er

of

Pe

rmit

s

Marcellus Shale Permits Issued 2009 - March 2013

F I G U RE 1. DE P A RT M E N T OF E N V I R ON M E N T A L PR OT E C T I O N . OF F I C E OF O I L A N D GA S

MA N A G E M E N T


ACT 13

Act 13 Impact Fee legislation was signed into law on February 14, 2012, and imposes a drilling impact

fee on producers with spud unconventional gas wells. The Act provides for distribution of the fee to

local and state government for specific purposes. The Public Utility Commission collects fees from

producers and disburses fees to state and local governments. Fees are based on the average annual

price of natural gas and is assessed per well.

In 2012, over $204 million was collected in Act 13 Impact Fees. Pennsylvania law earmarks about $25.5

million for state agencies to offset the statewide impact of drilling. After the earmarks, 60% of remaining

funds go to counties and municipalities, and 40% goes toward statewide initiatives with potential local

impacts and value. Section 2341(g) of Act 13 sets forth 13 categories for eligible uses of funds by

counties and municipalities. This section is written broadly to allow local governments flexibility in the

use of funds. Eligible uses include the following:

Construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair of roadways, bridges, and public

infrastructure

Water, stormwater, and sewer systems, including construction, reconstruction,

maintenance, and repair

Emergency preparedness and public safety, including law enforcement and fire services,

hazardous material response, 9-1-1, equipment acquisition, and other services

Environmental programs, including trails, parks, and recreation, open space, floodplain

management, conservation districts, and agricultural preservation

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Bradford 113 386 408 164 38

Sullivan 0 23 19 27 5

Susquehanna 60 92 212 192 37

Tioga 114 266 260 122 9

Wyoming 1 15 60 15 7

PA 2524 2851 2891 2390 537

We

lls D

rille

d

Marcellus Shale - Wells Drilled 2009 - March 2013

F I G U RE 2. DE P A RT M E N T OF E N V I R ON M E N T A L PR OT E C T I O N . OF F I C E OF O I L A N D GA S MA N A G E M E N T


According to the Department of Environmental

Protection Act 13 report released in October of

2012, there were 2,069 wells producing natural

gas in the Northern Tier. Over 50% of these

wells were operated by two energy companies;

Chesapeake Appalachia, LLC, (28%) and Talisman

Energy USA, Inc. (26%).

INFRAS TRUC TURE

UTI LI TI ES

Electric utility service is provided to the entire Northern Tier region (Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna,

Tioga, and Wyoming counties) by Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), a subsidiary of the

FirstEnergy Corporation. Commercial and industrial electric utility rates are competitive in the Northern

Tier region compared to the rest of the state, the nation, and especially the Mid-Atlantic region. Natural

gas rates are competitive in the Northern Tier region compared to the rest of the state, but do not

provide any significant competitive advantage.

Electric companies include:

First Energy (Penelec),

PPL Electric Utilities,

Claverack Rural Electric Cooperative,

Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative,

Sullivan County Rural Electric Cooperative, and

Wellsboro Electric Company.

Telephone companies include:

Frontier Communications and

North Penn Telephone Company.

Natural gas companies include:

UGI,

Valley Energy, and

PPL.

Recycling services include:

Northern Tier Solid Waste Authority (NTSWA).

948

41

443

540

97

4330

Bradford

Sullivan

Susquehanna

Tioga

Wyoming

Pennsylvania

Act 13 - Producing Wells

F I G U R E 3 . D E P A R T M E N T O F E N V I R O N M E N T A L P R O T E C T I O N .

A C T 13R E P O R T


According to information obtained from the Region’s stakeholders, water and sewer systems will need

to be expanded in order to provide increased capacity to support economic development. Further, the

amount of developable land in the region is limited and generally near existing travel corridors. The

location of infrastructure is intertwined with land use planning, creating a conflict for the identification

of competitive sites for industry. The trend is to acquire the most accessible tracts apart from existing

development. Because these tracts are limited, this situation results in extending sewer and water to

locations that are more remote, before development is started. The solution is to identify sites that are

closer to transportation access and can be served by existing water and sewer systems. This will involve

collaboration among municipalities in the region.

MAR C ELLUS SHAL E IMP AC T – NAT U RAL GAS TR ANS MI S S I O N , DI S T RI B UT I O N AND STO RA GE

According to the National Pipeline Mapping System, there are a number of natural gas transmission lines

in existence within the Northern Tier. Leatherstocking Gas Company has identified the Northern Tier as

one of their expansion areas for the distribution of natural gas to local residents.

Note: Data for distribution and gathering pipelines is not readily available. The terrorist attacks of

September 11, 2001, placed additional security concerns on the U.S. pipeline infrastructure. The

National Pipeline Mapping system contains transmission pipelines only; therefore, distribution and

gathering pipelines are not included within this report. The information relative to new distribution

lines has been obtained from documents filed with the Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC).

Bradford County:

Central New York Oil & Gas (a subsidiary of Inergy)

Chesapeake Midstream – Access Midstream Partners, LP

Penn Virginia Resources (PVR) Marcellus Shale Gas Gathering

Tennessee Pipeline

Valley Energy

Leatherstocking Gas Company – PUC issued a Certificate of Public Conveyance on July 16,

2013. Leatherstocking will serve as the gas utility for Wyalusing Township and Borough

Sullivan County:

- Central New York Oil & Gas

Susquehanna County:

Chesapeake Midstream

PVR Marcellus Shale Gas Gathering

Tennessee Pipeline

UGI Pennsylvania Natural Gas

Leatherstocking Gas Company – Distribution Line for Montrose-Bridgewater

Tioga County:

Dominion Transmission Inc.

Empire Pipe

NFG Midstream Convington, LLC

Tennessee Pipeline


UGI Central Pennsylvania Gas

Wyoming County:

PVR Marcellus Shale Gas Gathering

UGI Pennsylvania Natural Gas

The Marcellus Shale gas extraction activities have resulted in a variety of proposed and completed

improvements to these transmission lines and storage facilities in an attempt to get the product to the

densely populated consumer markets in the Northeast. The following is a summary of projects that are

in the planning stages and/or near completion.

ACCESS MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P. (FORMERLY OPERATED BY CHESAPEAKE MIDSTREAM)

According to Access Midstream Partners

website, Access Midstream Partners, L.P.

(ACMP) is “a growth-oriented midstream

natural gas services provider with

operations focused on owning, operating,

developing, and acquiring midstream

energy assets in the United States. ACMP

has operations in 12 states with over

6,000 miles of pipeline in place to gather

natural gas. (source: Access Midstream

2013)

TENNESSEE GAS PIPELINE COMPANY (FORMERLY A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF EL PASO CORPORATION)

The Tennessee Gas Pipeline (TGP) services the heavily populated regions of New York City and Boston;

the pipeline travels through Bradford and Susquehanna Counties. The13,700 mile pipeline originates at

the Mexican border and transverses through the United States to Canada.

One of the many projects to be undertaken by TGP is the Northeast Upgrade Project. This investment

into the company’s natural gas infrastructure (300 Line) is targeted for both Pennsylvania and New

Jersey. According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this upgrade project will allow “an

additional 636,000 decatherms (Dth) per day” of natural gas to be transported within this 300 Line. The

project will install about 40 miles of pipeline (22 miles in Pennsylvania; 18 miles in New Jersey), while

modifying their four existing compressor stations. Anticipated cost is $341 million.

(source:kindermorgan.com). Figure 4. Northeast Upgrade Project, Kinder Morgan


TABLE 1

Northeast Upgrade Project Pipeline and Compressor Station Locations

Pipeline (30-inch diameter) County Length (Miles)

Loop 317 Bradford, PA 5.40

Loop 319 Bradford, PA 1.99

Compressor Stations

Station County Project Description

319 Bradford, PA Modification of the compressor

station yard and piping to

accommodate new appurtenant

equipment

321 Susquehanna, PA Addition of 10,310 hp of

compression (compressor and

drive), modification of the yard and

station piping to accommodate the

installation of the new compressor

unit and compressor building, and

installation of appurtenant facilities

SOU RC E : W W W .K I N D E RM OR G A N .C O M

INERGY MIDSTREAM – MARC I PIPELINE PROJECT

This 39-mile Marc I Pipeline project connects Inergy’s

Stagecoach South Lateral pipeline to Transco’s Leidy Line

(Inergy, L.P. 2012); it is a 30-inch bi-directional line that runs

through Bradford, Lycoming, and Sullivan Counties. The

purpose of the project is to connect three major interstate

pipelines that transport natural gas from the Gulf Coast to

the major markets on the East Coast. (source: StateImpact

2013). Project complete – December 2012

NORTH/SOUTH PIPELINE PROJECT

Another project planned for Bradford County is the

North/South Pipeline Project. Located at Inergy’s

Stagecoach natural gas facility, this pipeline will provide

approximately 325 MMcf/d of interstate transportation

service.

F I G U RE 5. IN E RG Y ST O RA G E


According to Inergy, “The Marc I and North/South Pipeline projects will allow shippers to

wheel/transport gas bi-directionally on a firm basis approximately 75 miles between the Millennium

Pipeline and Transco’s Leidy Line and all points in between” (Inergy, L.P. 2013).

Inergy also owns a “high-performance, multi-cycle gas storage facility with 250/500 MMcf/day

injection/withdrawal capability. This facility is connected to TGP’s 300 Line and Millennium Pipeline”

(Inergy, L.P. 2013).

MILLENIUM PIPELINE

Millennium Pipeline “provides consumers in the Northeast with natural gas infrastructure; this pipeline

extends from Independence in Steuben County, New York, to Buena Vista in Rockland County, New

York” (source: Millennium Pipeline Company, LLC 2011). Although it is located in New York,

transmission lines in Tioga, Bradford, and Susquehanna Counties connect to this large transmission line.

LASER NORTHEAST PIPELINE

The Laser Northeast Gathering system is a 33-mile natural gas pipeline that stretches from Susquehanna

County to Broome County, New York”; the pipeline connects to the Millennium Pipeline. This pipeline

was recently purchased by Williams Partners. (source: www.williamsinthemarcellus.com)

VALLEY ENERGY

Valley Energy is a natural gas distribution company located in Sayre, Pennsylvania. Valley energy

provides service to 11 communities located in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and in the southern tier

counties of New York which include Chemung and Tioga. Valley energy supplies natural gas to over

8,000 customers (residential, commercial, and industrial). Their distribution system includes over 165

miles of pipeline. (Valley Energy 2013).

UGI STORAGE COMPANY

According to UGI Storage Company’s website, the “UGI Storage Company (UGI Storage) operates 14.7

Bcf of natural gas storage and pipeline wheeling services strategically located in Tioga, Potter, and

Cameron Counties. Storage customers have transportation access to high-growth-demand markets

served by Dominion Transmission, Transcontinental Gas Pipeline, Tennessee Gas Pipeline, and the UGI

Central Penn Gas distribution system. The UGI Storage Company features injection receipt points

directly connected to gathering systems for production areas in the Marcellus Shale. Interruptible

wheeling services will be provided at market-based rates between Dominion Transmission Inc. (DTI) and

TGP at the Tioga County facility” (source: UGI Storage Company 2013).

F I G U RE 6. M I L L E N N I U M P I P E L I N E

http://www.williamsinthemarcellus.com/


The Tioga Storage includes the following attributes:

Capacity of 11.0 Bcf,

Maximum daily withdrawal quantity of 184,000 decatherms (Dth),

Maximum daily injection quantity of 61,333 Dth.

According to the company, “the receipt points for injection include Dominion Transmission (primary),

TGP (secondary), and local Marcellus Shale production (secondary). The delivery point for withdrawals

is the Dominion Transmission (primary)”.

The Meeker Storage, located in Tioga County, includes the following attributes:

Capacity of 3.0 Bcf.

Maximum withdrawal quantity is 30,000 Dth

Maximum daily injection quantity is 16,667 Dth.

According to UGI Storage, the “receipt points for injection include the Dominion Transmission (primary),

TGP (secondary), and local Marcellus Shale production (secondary); delivery points for withdrawal

include the UGI Central Penn Gas (CPG) (primary) and Dominion Transmission (secondary)”.

DOMINION TRANSMISSION INC

Dominion Transmission Inc. (DTI) plans to construct,

install, own, operate, and maintain certain facilities

located in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West

Virginia. In Tioga County, DTI planned improvements

include piping and ancillary equipment additions at

the Sabinsville Station, an existing facility, along with

storage trunk line piping replacements within the

Sabinsville Storage Pool, according to the August 2011

DTI newsletter.

PVR MARCELLUS SHALE GAS GATHERING

PVR’s midstream natural gas business includes its

Eastern Midstream business segment, which consists

of gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale in both

Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The company ended 2012 with a natural gas processing capacity of 460

million cubic feet per day, and more than 4,700 miles of gathering pipelines. The Eastern Midstream

has approximately 216 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines and 42 miles of freshwater pipelines.

With its recent acquisition of Chief Gathering Systems, PVR was able to add 120 miles of gathering

pipelines and more than 300,000 dedicated acres to its operations in the Marcellus Shale (PVR Partners,

L.P. 2013).

TRANS PO RTATION

H I GHWA YS AND RAI L

The region’s transportation system is a significant resource that provides the people and businesses of

the Northern Tier with access to their neighbors and the nation. In most communities, demographic and


economic trends directly affect transportation demand, and transportation can affect the economic

vitality of the region. In the Northern Tier, the large volume of truck traffic and rail traffic that has

substantially increased due to the Marcellus Shale gas extraction has placed an incredible burden on the

Northern Tier’s transportation infrastructure. The region’s transportation system will have to continue

to respond to growing travel demands on roadways and bridges from the Northern Tier’s residential

population, as well as the demands on this infrastructure to support the Marcellus Shale gas extraction.

There is a strong interest in increasing rail utilization as a way to reduce truck traffic on the Northern

Tier’s local road system. Many of the energy companies have improved the local roads during the first

phase of the gas extraction process.

MARCELLUS SHALE IMPACT – GROWTH IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains Automatic Traffic Recorders (ATRs) at 57 strategically

selected locations throughout the state. These ATRs collect traffic volume data on a continuous basis

throughout the year. In the Northern Tier, the ATRs are located at the following sites:

Bradford County, Sheshequin Township, SR 1043

Susquehanna County, Rush Township, PA 267

Susquehanna County, New Milford Township, US 11

Tioga County, Delmar Township. US 6

Tioga County, Lawrence Township, SR 4022

These routes have been selected by the Department. Although U.S. Route 220 in Sullivan County has

experienced a substantial increase in traffic volume, data is not available through the ATR report. SR

1043 in Bradford County has experienced the highest growth rate in traffic volumes from 2008 to 2011.

Average daily traffic (ADT) counts have increased by 64% during this time period. PA 267 is next, with a

38% increase in daily traffic volumes.

TABLE 2

Northern Tier Highway System Average Daily Traffic 2008-2011

Route 2008 ADT 2009 ADT 2010 ADT 2011 ADT % Increase 2008-2011

SR 1043 1,327 1,336 1,997 2,187 64%

PA 267 1,163 1,246 1,399 1,606 38%

US 11 4,610 4,275 4,835 5,299 15%

US 6 2,741 2,868 3,177 3,438 25%

SR 4022 584 451 443 473 -19%

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation; roadways selected by the Department

MARCELLUS SHALE IMPACT ON RAIL

The Marcellus Shale natural gas industry dramatically increased the amount of freight Norfolk Southern

(NS) began to move through the Northern Tier, with cooperation of the short line railroads currently

servicing the Tier’s five counties.

In November 2011, Jim Schaaf, vice president of metals and construction for NS, spoke to Progressive

Railroading regarding the change in the rail industry as a result of the Marcellus Shale drilling and

ethanol gas production. Schaaf attributed the new business growth potential for NS to the gas


exploration and drilling in the Marcellus Shale regions. NS is responsible for moving carloads of sand,

cement, pipe, and other materials needed for the drilling operations. Both ethanol production and

Marcellus Shale have been among NS’s fastest-growing traffic opportunities. According to Schaaf,

about 85% of the Marcellus Shale carload volume that NS moves is frac sand, with each drilled well

requiring about 20 to 30 carloads of material. For the Northern Tier, this would result in over 66,000

carloads of frac sand to service the 2,645 drilled well sites. Although sand is the primary commodity, NS

is also hauling water, pipe, drill rig parts, crane mats, chemicals, cement, and rocks. In addition, NS and

the short lines are hauling drilling-process waste and debris from the drill sites.

When Pennsylvania began issuing drilling permits in 2008, NS responded by hauling materials to these

exploration sites to meet the demand of the drilling companies. NS began establishing connections at

57 terminals in the Marcellus Shale region through its short line railroad partners. In the Northern Tier,

the short line partners included the Lehigh Railway, Wellsboro & Corning Railroad, and the Reading, Blue

Mountain and Northern Railroad.

F I G U RE 7: B RA D F OR D COU N T Y T RA N S P O RT A T I ON C OR RI D ORS

BRADFORD COUNTY HIGHWAY NETWORK AND RAIL LINES

U.S. Routes 6 and 220

State Routes: 14, 187, 414, 467, 706, 199, 409, 514


TABLE 3

Bradford County Active Rail Lines

Railroad Starting Point Ending Point Line Name

CR Wyoming Co. Athens Lehigh Secondary **

CR Wyoming Co. Athens Lehigh Secondary

CR Athens N.Y. Border Lehigh Secondary

CR In Towanda Towanda Ind. Tk.

Towanda-Monroeton Shippers Lifeline

Towanda Monroeton Towanda-Monroeton Shippers Line

CR Sayre N.Y. Border Ithaca Ind. Tk.

** Lehigh Secondary is owned by Norfolk Southern

F I G U RE 8: SU L L I V A N CO U N T Y T RA N S P O RT A T I ON C OR RI D ORS

SULLIVAN COUNTY HIGHWAY NETWORK AND RAIL LINES

U.S. Route 220;

State Routes: 42, 87, 154, 487


There are no active rail lines in Sullivan County.

F I G U RE 9: SU S Q U E H A N N A C OU N T Y TRA N S P O RT A T I ON C O RRI D O RS

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY HIGHWAY NETWORK AND RAIL LINES

U.S. Routes 11

Interstate -81

State Routes: 29, 92, 167, 171, 267, 367, 492, 547, 706, 858

TABLE 4

Susquehanna County Active Rail Lines


D & H (CP) NY Border Wyoming Co. Freight Main Line

CR NY Border NY Border Southern Tier Line


F I G U RE 10: T I OG A C OU N T Y TRA N S P O RT A T I ON C OR RI D OR S

TIOGA COUNTY HIGHWAY NETWORK AND RAIL LINES

U.S. Routes 6 and 15

State Routes: 14, 149, 249, 287, 328, 349, 362, 414, 459 and 660

TABLE 5

Tioga County Active Rail Lines


WCOR NY Border Wellsboro Junction

Wellsboro & Corning

WCOR Wellsboro Junction

Wellsboro Wellsboro & Corning


F I G U RE 11: WY OM I N G C OU N T Y T RA N S P O RT A T I ON CO RR I D ORS

WYOMING COUNTY HIGHWAY NETWORK AND RAIL LINES

U.S. Routes 6, 11

State Routes: 29, 87, 92, 292, 307, 309

TABLE 6

Wyoming County Active Rail Lines

Line Name Starting Point Ending Point Line Name

CR Bradford Co. Lackawanna Co. Lehigh Secondary

CR Bradford Co. Lackawanna Co. Lehigh Secondary

D & H (CP) Susquehanna Co. Lackawanna Co. Freight Main Line


PUBLI C T RANS PO RTA TI O N S ERVI CES

The region’s decentralized rural nature, coupled with a growing dependent population (those under age

18 and over 65), makes the delivery of public transportation services challenging. Consumers point to a

myriad of confusing programs with a corresponding lack of information and guidelines, limited service

availability (especially on weekends), while operators point to a need for improved infrastructure and

changing demands for services (e.g., long-term care populations, etc.).

BEST serves transportation needs in Bradford, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties. It is operated by the

Endless Mountains Transportation Authority and is managed by River Valley Transit. Fixed routes are

referred to as Blue Bus service and are open to the general public. BeST continues to add routes as

demand and funds allow, as ridership nearly tripled between 1996 and 2008. Of the 10 fixed routes

offered by BeST, 7 run Monday through Friday and three run one day per week. Route descriptions are

available on the EMTA and BeST websites (EMTA: http://emtatransit.com/ ; BeST:

www.gobesttransit.com).

BeST also offers ride programs for seniors aged 65 and over, medical assistance transportation, rides to

work, and persons with disabilities. The shared rides for seniors program requires registration with BeST

and is a door-to-door bus service. Seniors must call to reserve rides, since these are not regular routes.

The medical assistance transportation program provides rides for no cost and requires users to first

register with the program and call to make reservations for a ride prior to the medical visit. BeST also

provides door-to-door service for medical appointments outside its normal service area on certain days

of the week.

The Northeastern PA Welfare to Work Transportation Program is a project funded by the Pennsylvania

Department of Transportation. It is a temporary program intended to help low-income residents get to

and from their place of employment until a more permanent transportation solution can be found.

Eligibility for this program is determined by the County Assistance office, and fees are determined on an

individual basis.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation also helps BeST fund the Shared-Ride Transportation

Service to people with disabilities. The program provides rides to persons with a disability and no other

form of transportation at reduced fares. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the guiding force in

determining eligibility for the program.

LUZERNE COUNTY TRANSOPORTATION AUTHORITY: Public transportation services service is provided in

Wyoming County by the Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA). Sixteen routes are offered

Monday through Saturday, with no service on Sundays or holidays. Route maps and descriptions are

available on the LCTA website (http://www.lctabus.com/Schedules.htm).

The LCTA also operates a transportation program for individuals with special needs called the Special

Transportation Efforts Program (STEP). STEP is available within the general service boundary of LCTA.

Similar to BeST’s program, eligibility, fares, and registration for STEP are guided by the ADA.

TREHAB: Trehab is a community action agency that is committed to act as both a service provider and

an advocate for the poor, unemployed, underemployed, the elderly, and other groups at risk. The

agency is committed to serving the community as a catalyst for asset building and by helping to increase

access to capital.

Trehab facilitates Susquehanna County Transportation, a shared-ride transportation service. This service

responds to specific demand and does not run on a fixed route. Anyone who resides in Susquehanna

http://emtatransit.com/

http://www.lctabus.com/Schedules.htm


County may utilize the service. Susquehanna County is the only county in the Northern Tier that does

not have fixed-route bus service.

A I RPO R TS

Marcellus Shale drilling has caused an increase in traffic by oil, gas, and pipeline companies at several

airports in the Northern Tier region including Bradford County Airport, Sky Haven Airport, and

Williamsport Regional Airport. In 2012, Bradford County Airport received over $800,000 in state funds to

improve facilities and support increased activity from Marcellus shale activities.

BRADFORD COUNTY: Bradford County Airport, Towanda

The Bradford County Airport is classified as a Limited airport by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Aviation. The

airport has 35 based aircraft and one runway. The Bradford County Airport supports the general aviation

needs of the community and has corporate and business flights daily. The airport currently has four on-

site business tenants, including a fixed-base operator (FBO) run by the Bradford County Airport

Authority. The FBO offers both aviation gas and jet fueling services, as well as aircraft maintenance. The

airport’s FBO services, particularly the availability of jet fuel, make it attractive for corporate aviation. In

addition, the Bradford County Airport Authority operates a flight school, which makes the airport a

strong center for flight training. Its total impacts include 18 jobs, $587,100 in payroll, and $1.6 million in

total output.

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY: Zaverton Airport, South Montrose (aka Husky Haven Airport)

Husky Haven Airport is a privately owned airport operated by Dalton Air, Inc. in New Jersey. It is open to

the public for ultralight activities. The airport has nine based aircraft and two runways. Zaverton Airport

is not plowed during winter months.

TIOGA COUNTY: Wellsboro Johnston Airport, Wellsboro (formerly Grand Canyon Airport)

The Wellsboro Johnston Airport is classified as a Limited airport by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Aviation.

The airport has 16 based aircraft and one runway. Fuel sales and FBO services at the airport are

provided by K & W Aviation. Aircraft parking on tie-downs and storage in hangars is also available. The

airport also has a general aviation terminal and lounge for pilots and passengers. Wellsboro Johnston

Airport is regularly utilized for touch-and-go operations, aerial utility inspections, and medical

operations, including emergency evacuation. The airport experiences seasonal recreational flying,

including ultralight activity. Other seasonal activities include agricultural spraying and flight training.

Occasionally, forest firefighting aircraft operations take place at the airport. Its total impacts include

three jobs, $24,900 in payroll, and $390,300 in total output.

WYOMING COUNTY: Seaman’s Airport, Factoryville; Sky Haven Airport, Tunkhannock

Seaman’s Airport is classified as a Limited airport by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Aviation. The airport

has 62 based aircraft and one runway Seaman’s Airport supports the general aviation needs of the local

community. The airport’s fixed base operator offers a wide variety of general aviation services to local

and transient passengers and pilots. These services include 24-hour fueling, aircraft rental, charter,

aircraft storage, flight instruction, and aerial sightseeing. The FBO also runs a pilot shop at the airport.

The airport’s other on-site business tenant is O&N Aircraft Modifications. Daily activities include

recreational flying, corporate flights, and flight training. Its total impacts include 64 jobs, $2.7 million in

payroll, and $8 million in total output.


The Sky Haven Airport is classified as a Limited airport by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Aviation. The

airport has 56 based aircraft and one runway. Sky Haven Airport supports the general aviation needs of

the local community. The airport-run FBO offers services such as fueling, aircraft parking and hangar

leasing, flight instruction, aircraft rental, and aircraft maintenance/restoration. The airport has three

additional on-site business tenants, which offer services such as skydiving, aircraft customizing, and

aerial surveying. Corporate flights are common. Like many airports in rural environs, Sky Haven Airport

also experiences seasonal agricultural spraying. Its total impacts include 15 jobs, $441,900 in payroll,

and $1.8 million in total output.

REGIONAL AIRPORTS: Broome County Airport, Binghamton, New York; Elmira/Corning Airport,

Horseheads, New York; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, Avoca, Pennsylvania; Williamsport

Regional Airport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania

There are no commercial airports in the region that provide national and international air linkages. The

closest international airport is the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in Avoca, Pennsylvania. It

has 37 based aircraft and two runways. The airport is served by five airlines: American Eagle, Continental

Connection, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express, with nonstop flights to six

locations in the United States. Car rentals are available from several companies. Including the airlines,

the airport has more than 20 on-site business tenants. Saker Aviation, the FBO, provides a full range of

services such as fueling, aircraft maintenance, and corporate aviation services. The total impacts of the

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport include 4,511 jobs, $128.7 million in payroll, and $327.1

million in total output.

Williamsport Regional Airport is classified as a commercial airport by the Pennsylvania Bureau of

Aviation. It has 35 based aircraft and two runways. The airport serves commercial and general aviation

needs of the region and offers nonstop service to Philadelphia. It has 22 on-site businesses and

government agencies. Williamsport Regional Airport’s primary aviation function is corporate and

business travel. In addition, recreational flying, air cargo, flight training, law enforcement activity, and

medical flights are all daily activities at Williamsport Regional Airport. Its total impacts include 701 jobs,

$22.5 million in payroll, and $64.9 million in total output.

OUTDO O R REC R EATI O N

From hiking trails, campgrounds, boat launches, community parks, river access points, resorts and state

parks and forests, recreational opportunities abound in the Northern Tier. The following list is not a full

list of activities, but provides an overview of the various parks, campgrounds, state forests and other

outdoor venues located in the Northern Tier. This information was obtained from the Northern Tier’s

Conservation and Open Space Plan, DCNR and Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau’s website.

BRADFORD COUNTY:

Alparon Community Park in Troy offers a swimming pool, tennis courts, a roller skating rink, horseshoe

pits, horse riding rings, football and baseball fields, and a track.

Armenia Mountain Campground is a hunting camp located in Troy. The camp offers showers, a dump

station, electric, trailers, trails, and tent camping.

Bike Route Y-US 6 is a 409-mile bike route that traverses from Ohio to Pennsylvania into New York.


Endless Mountain Outfitters (EMO) is located on the Susquehanna River in Sugar Run. EMO offers

kayak sales and rentals. EMO’s Sugar Run Cabins are seasonal, rustic cabins that provide indoor

plumbing, a full kitchen, bath, and screened-in porch.

Larnard-Hornbrook County Park is a 30-acre park located along the Susquehanna River in Sheshequin

Township. The park offers 40 RV sites (water and electric hookups provided), tenting area,

shower/restroom facilities, four pavilions, and open areas for active recreation. The park also includes a

boat launch to the Susquehanna River.

Marie Antoinette Lookout is located just off of US Route 6 near Wyalusing. The lookout offers a scenic

view of the Susquehanna River, the mountains, the French Azilum, and a French refugee settlement that

was built sometime in the late 1700s or early 1800s.

Mount Pisgah State Park is a 1,302-acre park named for the Biblical mountain from which one might

glimpse the future. The park encompasses Stephen Foster Lake, and provides opportunities for

picnicking, hiking, and swimming. The park also provides boat, canoe, and paddle boat rentals for

visitors to enjoy the Stephen Foster Lake.

Mt. Pisgah County Park is a 600-acre park located in Springfield Township. The park includes beautiful

vistas, two pavilions, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

Pine Cradle Lake is a campground situated on 83 acres with 200 camp sites. The campground also offers

a variety of cabin and cottage rentals. An 18-acre lake stocked with largemouth bass provides

vacationers with boat rentals and fishing. Other recreational amenities include a heated swimming

pool, a splash pad, pedal carts, boat rentals (canoe, kayak, pedal, and row boat), four playgrounds, a

banquet hall and recreation hall, a game room, horseshoes and shuffleboard, and wireless Internet.

Comfort amenities include a camp store that provides RV supplies, grocery items, ice/firewood, etc., a

laundry facility, and clean, single-unit bathhouses.

Riverside Acres Campground located in Towanda offers spacious sites with water, electric, and sewer

hookups. Other amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, showers, fire rings, and a pavilion with a

grill.

Round Top Park is a 575-acre park located in Athens Township. The park provides playground

equipment, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, a fishing pond, hunting, hiking trails, an off-road vehicle

trail, sledding and cross-country skiing, and a model airplane field. The park also provides several

pavilions with water and electric service.

Sunfish Pond County Park is a 70-acre park located in Leroy Township on top of Barclay Mountain. The

park also includes a 30-acre pond stocked with trout. Boating with electric motors is permitted. The

park is surrounded by the State Game Lands. Thirty-eight RV sites with electric are provided, along with

12 tent camping sites. Other amenities include a shower and restroom facilities and a camp store that

provides some supplies and a short food menu. The park also includes a large pavilion. Hunting, fishing,

and hiking are permitted in the park.

State Game Lands: #12, #36

SULLIVAN COUNTY:

Hunters Lake is located southwest of Eagles Mere, off of PA Route 42. This 117-acre lake is managed by

the Fish and Game Commission and provides opportunities for public fishing and boating. The lake is


stocked with trout, as well as several other species of fish. The lake provides a fishing pier, a boat

launch, and parking.

Loyalsock State Forest is named for Loyalsock Creek, a scenic, freestone stream that winds through the

heart of its 114,494 acres. The Loyalsock State Forest spans across Endless Mountains and features

flaming fall foliage and cascading waterfalls.

Loyalsock Trail is a footpath that begins on PA Route 87, 9.0 miles north of the Route 87-Montoursville

Exit off of Interstate 180 (US Route 220), and ends at a parking lot on Meade Road, 0.2 miles from US

Route 220. The entrance to Meade Road is 2.4 miles north of the intersection of Routes 220 and 154

near Laporte. This trail is 59.21-miles long and travels through the woods on footpaths, logging roads,

and abandoned railroad grades. It follows the mountain ridges and streams. The elevation of the trail is

665 feet at its lowest, and 2,140 feet at its highest.

Ricketts Glen State Park is located in the southeastern portion of Sullivan County and also expands into

Columbia and Luzerne Counties as well (13,050 acres). The park is accessed via PA Route 487 and

includes a visitor center; campsites; and Lake Jean, with its swimming beach, boating and fishing, picnic

areas, restrooms, and multiple trails, some of which lead to the waterfalls in the Glens Natural Area.

Horses are permitted on specific trails. Other park activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing,

snowshoeing, ice climbing, and ice fishing. Hunting is permitted in the less developed areas of the park.

State Game Lands: # 12, #13

Snowmobile Trails are located on the State Game Lands (SGL). The SGL 12 consists of 13 miles and

begins at Game Lands Road, ½-mile north of the Bradford County/Sullivan County line on PA Route 154.

SGL 13 is a 13-mile long snowmobile trail with seven miles running from Fishing Creek Road from the

gate above Elk Grove to the parking lot below the fire tower. The remaining six miles extends on Cherry

Ridge Road from the gate on Elk Grove, Nordmont Road, to Painter Den Road.

World’s End State Park is a 780-acre park located within the Loyalsock State Forest (114,494 acres). The

park is located in the western portion of Sullivan County. The park contains a visitor center, picnic areas,

a swimming area on Loyalsock Creek, a chapel, restrooms, showers, camping areas, and hiking trails.

Hunting is permitted in identified areas of the park. Other activities include fishing, whitewater boating,

snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Loyalsock Trail also traverses through the park. Scenic vistas in

the state forest include High Knob, Canyon Vista, and Wright’s View.

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY:

Cotton Point Park is located on the west rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (PA Grand Canyon). This

368-acre park includes campsites, picnic areas, and trails. Hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling are also

permitted within the park.

Elk Mountain Ski Resort began with a handful of trails, and has grown into a resort with 27 trails of the

most challenging terrain in Pennsylvania. The resort began its operations in 1959 and was one of

Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski areas.

EMR Paintball Park is located in New Milford. The park includes free camping and lodging and 24

paintball playing fields.

Endless Mountains Rail-Trail begins in Montrose and follows PA Route 706 east on the former

Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad corridor. The trail is intended for hiking, biking, and

horseback riding.


Leonard Harrison State Park is a state park located on the eastern rim of the PA Grand Canyon (585

acres). The park includes a campground, trails, picnic areas, and a gift shop. Fishing, hunting, and

snowmobiling are also permitted within the park. A scenic overlook located at the end of PA Route 660

provides visitors with scenic views of the PA Grand Canyon. The park includes scenic views and

environmental education, interpretation, and opportunities for wildlife watching.

Pine Creek Rail-Trail is a 60.5-mile trail that extends from Ansonia south to Waterville. Crushed

limestone was added to the rail bed in order to provide a surface for the trail.

Salt Springs State Park is a 405-acre park located approximately seven miles north of Montrose; to the

south of Salt Springs lies an additional 300 acres owned by the Friends of Salt Springs Park. Salt Springs

features a hemlock forest along the Fall Brook Gorge. There are three waterfalls on Fall Brook Gorge.

The Wheaton House provides interpretive materials, environmental interpretation, programs, and park

offices. The park provides picnic areas, camping areas, and cottages, hiking trails, and fishing on Silver

Creek and Fall Brook Gorge. Hunting is permitted in specific areas of the park, and the trails permit

cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

State Game Lands: # 35

Susquehanna River, recently designated as a National Recreation Trail, provides seven boat launches

along its length in Susquehanna County. These boat launches vary from paved with paved parking to

older, more primitive launches operated by the Fish and Boat Commission.

Tioga State Park is a 159,466-acre state forest providing timber, wildlife habitat, and recreation. The

park includes picnic areas, hiking and biking trails, and roads designated for snowmobiling.

Tioga-Hammond Lakes are located north of Mansfield. Hammond Lake consists of 685 surface acres

and provides a boat launch, overnight mooring, fishing, picnic areas, a swimming beach, display gardens,

archery trails, hiking trails, and a visitor center. Tioga Lake consists of 498 surface acres. Lambs Creek is

located at the south end of Tioga Lake. Lambs Creek provides picnic sites, a trail to Mansfield, and

waterskiing. The Mid-State Trail passes by Hammond Lake and continues north into New York. Hunting

is permitted on lands that surround the lakes.

Other recreational opportunities include the D&H Trail (Forest City), Florence Shelly Preserve

(Thompson), Bicycle PA L-Route, and the Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary (Montrose).

TIOGA COUNTY:

Colton Point State Park is a 368-acre park located on the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge, known as the

“Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.” The park offers campsites with rustic toilets, tables, and fire rings, as

well as 100 open picnic tables and five pavilions available for reservation. Fishing, hunting,

snowmobiling, and hiking on the four miles of trails are other popular recreational activities.

Cowanesque Lake is located near Lawrenceville, just below the New York state line. This 1,085-acre lake

includes 17 miles of shoreline for use by campers and day trippers.

Hill Creek State Park is a campground with 407 acres of natural beauty and wildlife. The campground

offers 85 sites for camping, ranging from grassy open areas to woods. Three camping cottages,

Mongolian-style tents called yurts, and 10 modern cabins are available to rent, and come complete with

modern amenities. The campground also has warm showers, restrooms, and water fountains, and pets

are permitted on designated sites. The campground offers two open picnic areas, with tables, grills, and

drinking fountains, and three picnic pavilions available for reservation. A sand beach is open for


swimming and boating, with a nearby snack bar stocked with food, drinks, camping supplies, firewood,

and fishing bait. Fishing, hunting, and hiking on the 5.5 miles of trails are also popular recreational

activities, with cross-country skiing, sledding, ice fishing, and ice skating available in the winter months.

Leonard Harrison State Park is a 585-acre state park on the east rim of the PA Grand Canyon. The park

offers campsites with flushing toilets, warm showers, some electric hookups, and fire rings. There is one

pavilion available for reservation, and 100 open picnic tables (seven of which are covered), which have

charcoal grills, restrooms, drinking water, and trash bins. Fishing, hunting, and hiking on the 4.6 miles of

trails are other popular recreational activities. An environmental interpreter also leads walks and

programs during spring, summer, and fall months, on topics such as Watershed Education, astronomy,

fall color, old-fashioned cider squeezing, and summer campfire programs. The environmental

interpretive center is also open for visitors during the summer and fall.

Mid-State Trail is a long-distance hiking trail with side trails in central Pennsylvania. The current

northern end is at the West Rim Trail on Bohen Run north of Blackwell, and the southern end is a

junction with the Green Ridge Hiking Trail in Maryland. In the Tioga County Region, the trail links to the

Tioga State Forest, Hills Creek State Park, Tioga-Hammond Lakes, Cowanesque Lake, and over a dozen

willing private landowners through Tioga County.

Pennsylvania Grand Canyon/Pine Creek Gorge is part of the Tioga State Forest. The PA Grand Canyon

begins just south of Ansonia, near Wellsboro. It includes many scenic wonders, including steep canyon

walls and a waterfall. The canyon area stretches for over 45 miles, with depths of nearly 1,500 feet.

Colton Point, located on the west rim of the PA Grand Canyon, and Leonard Harrison, located on the

east rim of the PA Grand Canyon, offer visitors the most spectacular views.

Pine Creek Rail-Trail is a 60.5-mile trail that extends from Ansonia south to Waterville. Crushed

limestone was added to the rail bed in order to provide a surface for the trail.


Tioga Central Railroad is located in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, and operates excursion and charter trains

on a 34-mile railroad extending north from Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, to a location about three miles

south of Corning, New York.

Tioga-Hammond Lakes consists of two separate dams; one on the Tioga River and the other along

Crooked Creek. The lakes formed by both dams are joined by a gated connecting channel. The lake

offers boating, fishing, hunting, waterskiing, camping, picnicking, and nature walks. The Ives Run

Recreation Area includes 685 surface acres of water. Amenities include a boat launch with overnight

mooring for campers. Activities include fishing, picnicking, and swimming (with dressing and shower

facilities), open fields, and a volleyball court.

Tioga State Forest is a state forest covering 160,000 acres in Bradford and Tioga Counties. The forest

hosts the PA Grand Canyon and the Pine Creek Gore. The forest offers beautiful places to hike, camp,

sightsee, bike, mountain bike, and ride horses. There are three picnic areas, with restrooms, grills,

pavilions, and picnic tables. Several creeks and streams allow visitors to fish, canoe, and boat. Hunting

for deer, turkeys, grouse, squirrels, and black bear is permitted during designated seasons throughout

the state forest. During the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling is popular during

good weather conditions.

WYOMING COUNTY:

Bike Route Y-US 6 is a 409-mile bike route that traverses from Ohio to Pennsylvania into New York.


Endless Mountains Nature Center is located within Camp Lackawanna along the Susquehanna River and

is open to the public during the specified operating hours. This center contains trails, a lodge with

educational displays, restrooms, a native plant garden, and a bird feeding station. Camp Lackawanna is

a private camp.

Little Rocky Glen is owned by the Countryside Conservancy. This 26-acre preserve provides hiking trails

that follow Tunkhannock Creek. The preserve contains a hemlock forest and a sandstone gorge. Fishing

is permitted; swimming and diving are not permitted.

Lazybrook Park, located in Tunkhannock, is a park with plenty of shade, a creek, totem poles, world-

class wood carvings, and beautiful landscaped walking trails.

Riverside Park, located in Tunkhannock, is situated along the Susquehanna River and overlooks the

scenic Endless Mountains.


Other recreational opportunities include the Endless Mountains Skydivers (Tunkhannock), Susquehanna

Kayak and Canoe Rentals (Falls), and the Iroquois Trail (Tunkhannock).

Mapping of additional assets are included in Exhibit B.

SO CIOE CON OMI C TREN DS

Throughout this section, the term United States refers only to the continental United States, unless

otherwise noted, due to data restrictions. Data from 2000 and 2010 are actual data from the U.S.

Census; data from 2006-2010 are American Community Survey five-year estimates; data from 2012 are

estimates; and data from 2017 are projections.

PO PULA TI O N

As of 2010, the population of the Northern Tier region is an estimated 182,663, an increase of

approximately 1,655 residents since the year 2000. In comparison with Pennsylvania as a whole and the

continental United States, the region grew very slightly: 0.9% growth between 2000 and 2010 compared

to 3.4% and 9.7% growth, respectively. Most of the population growth was in Susquehanna and Tioga

Counties. Only Bradford and Sullivan Counties decreased in population between 2000 and 2010. It is

estimated that the Northern Tier region will experience a small population growth from 2012 to 2017,

approximately 1.1% or almost 2,000 residents. According to this estimate, each county will have a small

population increase, and the majority of growth will be in Tioga County.

TABLE 7

POPULATION OF NORTHERN TIER, PENNSYLVANIA, AND THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES, 2000-2017

2000 2010 2012 2017

Change 2000 to 2010

Change 2012 to 2017

Bradford County 62,761 62,622 62,871 63,222 -0.2% 0.6%

Sullivan County 6,556 6,428 6,484 6,532 -2.0% 0.7%

Susquehanna County 42,238 43,356 43,745 43,735 2.6% 0.0%

Tioga County 41,373 41,981 42,778 44,097 1.5% 3.1%

Wyoming County 28,080 28,276 28,639 28,885 0.7% 0.9%


Northern Tier Region 181,008 182,663 184,517 186,471 0.9% 1.1%

PA 12,281,054 12,702,379 12,807,296 12,997,575 3.4% 1.5%

Continental U.S. 279,583,437 306,675,006 311,019,603 321,777,839 9.7% 3.5%

The Northern Tier counties have an aging population. Between 2000 and 2010, the median age of

residents in the Northern Tier counties increased by 4 to 6.6 years. By comparison, Pennsylvania’s

median age increased by 2.1 years, and the U.S. median age increased only 1.8 years. The greatest

change was in Sullivan County, and Tioga County experienced the smallest change in median age.

Through 2017, each county in the region, as well as Pennsylvania and the United States, are expected to

continue to have an increasing aging population. (Additional information on projected changes in

population is included in Appendix A).

TABLE 8

MEDIAN AGE (IN YEARS) IN THE NORTHERN TIER, PENNSYLVANIA, AND THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES

Bradford County

Sullivan County

Susquehanna County

Tioga County

Wyoming County

Pennsylvania Continental

U.S. 2000 38.9 43.2 39.4 38.4 37.7 38 35.3

2010 43.3 49.8 45.1 42.4 42.4 40.1 37.1

2012 43.9 50.6 45.6 43 42.8 40.5 37.3

2017 44.9 51.9 46.6 44.2 43.7 41 37.8

% Change 2000 to 2010 11.3% 15.3% 14.5% 10.4% 12.5% 5.5% 5.1%

% Change 2012 to 2017 2.3% 2.6% 2.2% 2.8% 2.1% 1.2% 1.3%

On average, the percentage of the population under 25 decreased by 9.9% across Northern Tier counties

from 2000 to 2010, compared to decreases of 2.5% and 4% in Pennsylvania and the United States,

respectively. The largest decrease in this young population between 2000 and 2010 was in Sullivan

County, with a 12.8% decline. The smallest decrease was in Tioga County, with a decline of 7.3%.

According to the projection for 2017, each county in the region, as well as in Pennsylvania and the

United States, is expected to continue to lose its population under 25.

TABLE 9

POPULATION UNDER 25 IN THE NORTHERN TIER, PENNSYLVANIA, AND THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES

Bradford County

Sullivan County

Susquehanna County

Tioga County

Wyoming County


U.S. 2000 32.4% 28.8% 32.3% 34.3% 33.5% 32.6% 35.3%

2010 29.9% 25.1% 28.3% 31.8% 30.4% 31.8% 33.9%

2012 29.4% 24.5% 27.8% 31.3% 29.9% 31.5% 33.5%

2017 28.4% 23.5% 26.9% 30.2% 29.1% 30.6% 32.7%

% Change 2000 to 2010

-7.7% -12.8% -12.4% -7.3% -9.3% -2.5% -4.0%

% Change 2012 to 2017

-3.4% -4.1% -3.2% -3.5% -2.7% -2.9% -2.4%


In all five Northern Tier counties, the percentage of the population aged 65 and over increased. On

average across the region, the percentage of the population aged 65 and over increased approximately

15% from 2000 to 2010. In Pennsylvania, this older population decreased 1.3%. In the United States, the

older population increased only 4.8%. The largest increase in this population from 2000 to 2010 was in

Wyoming County, and the smallest was in Sullivan County. The region, state, and country are projected

to experience an increase in population aged 65 and over through 2017. The rate of increase in the older

population is expected to be higher in the Northern Tier region than in the state or nation.

The Northern Tier region should be prepared to respond to the changing needs of the senior population.

Expanded healthcare services, housing, and transportation services will be areas of special

consideration. With respect to housing, many seniors will be looking to downsize, while others will need

assistance with their everyday tasks. The Northern Tier’s counties, local municipalities, and planners

should begin to designate areas within their communities for senior housing. Housing developments to

be considered should include assisted living facilities, age-restricted apartment buildings, and

condo/townhouse developments. Providing a variety of senior style housing will be important to meet

the changing needs for the Northern Tier’s senior population.

TABLE 10

POPULATION 65 AND OVER IN THE NORTHERN TIER, PENNSYLVANIA, AND THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES

Bradford County

Sullivan County

Susquehanna County

Tioga County

Wyoming County


U.S.

2000 15.7% 21.9% 15.5% 16.0% 13.2% 15.6% 12.4%

2010 17.8% 24.2% 18.1% 18.0% 16.1% 15.4% 13.0%

2012 18.4% 25.0% 18.8% 18.6% 16.6% 16.0% 13.6%

2017 20.6% 27.6% 21.1% 21.0% 18.7% 17.7% 15.2%

Change 2000 to 2010 13.4% 10.5% 16.8% 12.5% 22.0% -1.3% 4.8%

Change 2012 to 2017 12.0% 10.4% 12.2% 12.9% 12.7 10.6% 11.8%

HO US EHO LDS AND HO US EHO LD S I Z E

In 2010, there were an estimated 73,860 households in the Northern Tier region. Households refer to

individuals who occupy a housing unit, whether or not they are related. Households are an important

demographic unit related to economic analysis because it is the number of households that represents

the demand factor for housing and retail purchase decisions.

The number of households in the Northern Tier region increased by an average of 5% between 2000 and

2010. Susquehanna County experienced the greatest increase in households from 2000 to 2010, and

Bradford County experienced the smallest increase in households, at 7.7% and 3.5%, respectively. In

addition, according to the projection, all Northern Tier counties are expected to experience a small

increase in the number of households, about 2.4% on average, from 2012 to 2017. During this time,

Tioga County is expected to increase the most at 4.8%, and Susquehanna County is expected to increase

the least at 1%.


TABLE 11

HOUSEHOLDS IN THE NORTHERN TIER, PENNSYLVANIA, AND THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES, 2000-2017

Bradford County

Sullivan County

Susquehanna County

Tioga County

Wyoming County

Northern Tier Region


U.S. 2000 24,453 2,660 16,529 15,925 10,762 70,329 4,777,003 104,855,261

2010 25,321 2,777 17,798 16,727 11,237 73,860 5,018,904 116,002,896

2012 25,293 2,769 17,813 16,952 11,275 74,102 5,046,383 117,482,337

2017 25,748 2,838 17,991 17,761 11,505 75,843 5,142,006 121,900,470

Change 2000 to 2010

3.5% 4.4% 7.7% 5.0% 4.4% 5.0% 5.1% 10.6%

Change 2012 to 2017

1.8% 2.5% 1.0% 4.8% 2.0% 2.3% 1.9% 3.8%

In 2010, the average household size in the Northern Tier counties ranged from 2.16 to 2.46. The average

household size in the region was smaller than in Pennsylvania and the continental United States. The

average household size in the region decreased in all Northern Tier counties between 2000 and 2010, as

well as in the state and the nation. According to the projection, all five Northern Tier counties will

experience a further decrease in average household size from 2012 to 2017. This rate of decline is

expected to be greater than that of the state and the nation.

TABLE 12

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE IN THE NORTHERN TIER, PENNSYLVANIA, AND THE CONTINENTAL UNITED

STATES, 2000-2017

Bradford County

Sullivan County

Susquehanna County

Tioga County

Wyoming County


U.S. 2000 2.52 2.30 2.53 2.48 2.55 2.48 2.59

2010 2.45 2.16 2.42 2.39 2.46 2.45 2.58

2012 2.46 2.18 2.44 2.41 2.48 2.45 2.58

2017 2.43 2.15 2.42 2.37 2.45 2.44 2.57

Change 2000 to 2010

-2.8% -6.1% -4.3% -3.6% -3.5% -1.2% -0.4%

Change 2012 to 2017

-1.2% -1.4% -0.8% -1.7% -1.2% -0.4% -0.4%

HO US EHO LD IN CO ME

The Northern Tier region has a large number of lower- to moderate-income households. Approximately

26.8% of households earned less than $25,000 in 2011; 23.8% of households in Pennsylvania, and 23.1%

of the household in the US earned this same amount. 55.9% of households earned less than $50,000;

48.4% of the households in Pennsylvania, and 47.3% of the households in the US also earn less than

$50,000. Upper-income households, or those earning $100,000 per year or more, represented about

12.2% of households. In Pennsylvania 20.1% of households earn over $100,000; and 21.9% of the

households in the US earn over $100,000. The fact that the median age of residents in the Northern Tier

is higher than Pennsylvania and the United States means there is a larger percentage of senior

households in the Northern Tier. This would account for the higher percentage of households earning

less than the Pennsylvania and US households.


TABLE 13

HOUSEHOLD INCOME LEVEL IN THE NORTHERN TIER, PENNSYLVANIA, AND THE UNITED STATES, 2011 ACS

5-YEAR ESTIMATES

Bradford County

Sullivan County

Susquehanna County

Tioga County

Wyoming County

Pennsylvania United States

<$10,000 6.9% 8.4% 6.1% 7.1% 5.9% 7.0% 7.1%

$10,000-$14,999 7.4% 6.2% 6.0% 7.8% 5.6% 5.7% 5.4%

$15,000-$24,999 13.5% 14.4% 12.4% 14.5% 12.1% 11.1% 10.6%

$25,000-$39,999 13.7% 17.4% 11.9% 12.1% 11.8% 10.6% 10.4%

$35,000-$49,999 15.4% 15.0% 17.2% 16.7% 17.0% 14.0% 13.8%

$50,000-$74,999 20.3% 18.5% 20.4% 21.0% 20.6% 18.9% 18.3%

$75,000-$99,999 11.1% 10.6% 12.5% 10.4% 12.2% 12.5% 12.4%

$100,000-$149,999 8.4% 6.9% 9.5% 7.1% 11.2% 12.2% 12.7%

$150,000-$199,999 1.7% 1.5% 2.6% 1.8% 2.4% 4.1% 4.7%

$200,000 or more 1.7% 1.0% 1.4% 1.5% 1.2% 3.8% 4.5%

RAC E AND ET HNI CI TY

The Northern Tier counties are extremely racially homogeneous. As of 2011, approximately 97.6% of the

population in the five counties is white. Of the remaining population, about 0.8% identifies with two or

more races. Approximately 1.1% of the population is of Hispanic origin, and the rest of the population is

evenly spread among other racial groups. In comparison, the 2011 population of Pennsylvania was

approximately 82.7% white and 10.7% black. About 5.5% of the population is of Hispanic origin, and the

remaining population is nearly equal among other races. The population of the United States in 2011

was approximately 74.1% white, 12.5% black, and 4.9% Asian or Pacific Islander. Approximately 16.1% of

the U.S. population was of Hispanic origin.

TABLE 14

RACE AND ETHNICITY IN THE NORTHERN TIER, PENNSYLVANIA, AND THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES,

2011 ACS 5-YEAR ESTIMATES

Bradford County

Sullivan County

Susquehanna County

Tioga County

Wyoming County


White Alone 97.6% 97.0% 98.3% 97.5% 97.6% 82.7% 74.1%

Black Alone 0.6% 1.2% 0.4% 0.7% 0.8% 10.7% 12.5%

American Indian Alone 0.1% 0.9% 0.3% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.8%

Asian or Pacific Islander Alone 0.5% 0.4% 0.2% 0.4% 0.3% 2.7% 4.9%

Some Other Race Alone 0.2% 0.4% 0.1% 0.1% 0.3% 2.0% 5.1%

Two or More Races 1.0% 0.1% 0.8% 1.1% 0.9% 1.7% 2.5%

Hispanic Origin 1.2% 0.6% 1.3% 1.0% 1.5% 5.5% 16.1%

EDUC ATI O N

Educational attainment is a measure of the economic potential of a region. In 2011, counties in the

Northern Tier region exceeded both the state and the nation in population with a high school diploma or

equivalent. The region also slightly exceeded the state and the nation in population that achieved an

associate’s degree. Sullivan and Tioga Counties are the regional leaders in education in terms of


associate’s degrees achieved. Bradford and Wyoming Counties have the highest percentage of

Bachelor’s Degree holders in the region. Susquehanna and Tioga Counties lead the region in graduate or

professional degrees achieved. All five counties lag behind the state and the nation in bachelor’s

degrees and higher education. This could be an important factor in the decision of firms to locate in the

region.

F I G U RE 12 : LE V E L OF E D U C A T I ON A L AT T A I N M E N T , 2011 ACS 5-YE A R E S T I M A T E

There are 19 school districts within the Northern Tier region. The Tunkhannock Area School District in

Wyoming County reported the highest high school graduation rate in 2009 at 93.7%. The Sayre Area

School District in Bradford County reported the lowest high school graduation rate in 2009 at 75.5%. The

average high school graduation rate for the region was 83.2% in 2009, slightly higher than the state high

school graduation rate of 79.1%. This graduation rate was the estimated percentage of the freshman

class that graduated in four years, for the class graduating in 2009.

The following is a summary of vocational schools and institutions of higher learning located within the

Northern Tier region. Availability of education opportunities affects the skills of the regional labor force

and can be a deciding factor for companies that are relocating or building new facilities.

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0% Graduate/Professional school degree

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

Some college, no degree

High school graduate, GED, or alternative

9th-12th grade, no diploma


TABLE 15

NORTHERN TIER POSTSECONDARY AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS

County Educational Institution Location Programs Offered

Bradford County

Keystone College Weekender Towanda

Accounting, Business, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Social Sciences, Finance, and Information Technology.

Penn State/Northern Tier Center Towanda

Administration of Justice, Electrical Engineering Technology, IST, Business Administration, and English. Graduate Credit Certificates offered – Educational Technology Integration Certificate and English as a Second Language for Teacher’s Certificate.

Lackawanna College Towanda Information Not Available.

Northern Tier Career Center Towanda

Auto Mechanics, Building Construction, Collision Repair Technology, Cosmetology, Diesel Technology, Diversified Occupations, Electrical Occupations, Food Production & Management, Health Assisting, Machine Tool Technology, Medical Records Technology, and Welding Technology.

Sullivan County Red Rock Job Corps. Lopez

Auto Collision, Auto Mechanics, Brick Masonry, Business Technologies, Carpentry, Electrical, Hospitality, and Plumbing.

Susquehanna County Luzerne Community College at Susquehanna High School

Susquehanna

Automotive Technology, Business, Commercial Art, Computer Information Systems, Dental Health, English, Health Emergency Medical Services, Hotel & Restaurant Management, Mass Media & Communication Technology, Mathematics, Nursing, Science, Social Science-History, Speech, Philosophy,


Fine Arts, Technology, and Trade.

Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center

Dimock

Accounting Technology/Technician, Bookkeeping, Administrative Assistant/Secretarial Science, Automotive Technology, Building & Property Maintenance, Carpentry and Cabinetmaking, Cosmetology, Food Management/Production, Health Care Technology, Cooperative Education/Diversified Occupations, Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology, and Welding Technology. Adult and Continuing Education programs also offered, which include Nurse Aide Training Course, Health Care Certifications, etc.

Luzerne Community College at New Milford

New Milford

Automotive, Business, Commercial Art, Computer Information Systems, Dental Health, English, Health Emergency Medical Services, Health, Physical Education & Movement Science, Hotel & Restaurant Management, Mass Media, Mathematics, Nursing, Science, Social Science-History, Speech, Philosophy and Fine Arts, Technology, and Trade.

Tioga County Mansfield University Mansfield

Business Administration, Sociology/Anthropology, Mathematics, Art Education, Art History, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Information Science, Criminal Justice, Earth and Space Science, English, Geography, History, Human Resource Management, Mass Communication, Music,


Natural Gas Production and Services, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Radiology Technology, Safety Management, Social Studies/History, Sociology, Spanish, Watershed Management, etc.

Pennsylvania College of Technology Wellsboro

Accounting, Business Administration, Culinary Arts and Systems, Technology Management, Financial Planning, Small Business Management, Building Science and Sustainable Design, Residential Construction Technology, Architectural Technology, Sustainable Design, Health Sciences, Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies, Sciences, and Humanities & Visual Communication. Certificates available in Plumbing, Residential Builder, Paramedic Technician, Welding, Nurse-Health Care, Paralegal Studies, etc.

Wyoming County Keystone College LaPlume

Accounting, Biological Science, Business, Communication Arts, Humanities, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Geology, Information Technology, Professional Studies, Psychology, Public Health, Social Sciences, Sports and Recreation Management, Teaching, and Visual Arts. Associate Degrees in Allied Health, Art, Culinary Arts, Environmental Studies, Forestry Resource Management, Information Technology, Landscape Architecture, Liberal Studies, and Wildlife Biology.


EDUCATION/TRAINING PROGRAMS RESPONDING TO MARCELLUS SHALE

Several higher education institutions in the Northern Tier region are taking advantage of the boom in

the development of Marcellus Shale to create specialized degree programs that prepare students to

work directly in the field or in supporting fields. Lackawanna College developed a Petroleum and Natural

Gas Technology degree program to prepare students for a career in the operations segment of the

natural gas industry. Instruction is hands-on and includes a summer internship of actual field experience

with a gas-producing company. In the fall semester of 2013, the college will add an Associate degree in

Petroleum and Natural Gas Compression.

Mansfield University is coordinating educational initiatives to provide active leadership on opportunities

and issues relating to the development of Shale gas resources in the region and has created the

Marcellus Institute at Mansfield University. The university is developing Shale-gas-focused academic

programs, workforce training, research efforts, and private/public partnerships to maximize

opportunities and benefits for students, alumni, and surrounding communities. As part of this program,

Mansfield University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Safety Management and an Associate of

Applied Science degree in Natural Gas Production and Services. The university will continue to develop

new academic programs focusing on expanding the gas industry and offer targeted continuing education

and certification programs in cooperation with industry partners to create and maintain a well-qualified

workforce for the region.

Keystone College offers a specialized track within the Environmental Resource Management bachelor’s

degree program. The Petroleum and Alternative Energy Sources concentration prepares students for

careers in the emerging gas and oil extraction and alternative energy industries. An internship is

required and students work with local or state agencies for the completion of this portion of the

program.

The Northern Tier Career Center offers programs in the following areas:

CDL Class A Truck Driving Training

Building Construction

Diesel Technology

Welding Technologies

Electrical Construction Technology

Precision Manufacturing

Pennsylvania College of Technology offers programs that correlate to natural gas careers:

Information Technology

Civil Engineering Technology

Engineering Design Technology

Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology

Electrical Technology

Automated Manufacturing Technology

Surveying Technology


Diesel Technology

Heavy Construction Equipment Technology

HO ME OWNE RS HI P

Home ownership and home values are often indicators of economic prosperity and quality of life. In the

Northern Tier counties, median home values are lower than in Pennsylvania and the continental United

States. Wyoming County has the highest median home value by far, and Tioga County has the lowest in

the region. Homeownership in the Northern Tier counties, however, significantly exceeds rates of

homeownership in Pennsylvania and the continental United States. Sullivan County has the highest rate

of homeownership, at 79.9%, while Bradford County has the lowest at 74.3%. Pennsylvania and the

nation, by comparison, have home ownership rates of 69.6% and 65.1%, respectively.

TABLE 16

2010 NORTHERN TIER HOME OWNERSHIP AND MEDIAN HOME VALUE

Home Ownership

Percentage Median Home Value

Bradford County 74.3% $121,894

Sullivan County 79.9% $124,198

Susquehanna County 78.2% $127,297

Tioga County 74.6% $118,014

Wyoming County 76.6% $148,368

Pennsylvania 69.6% $159,178

Continental U.S. 65.1% $157,178

HO US I NG TEN U RE

In 2010, housing tenure varied widely across the Northern Tier region. Bradford, Susquehanna, and

Wyoming Counties had high rates of owner occupancy of 60% or over, on par with Pennsylvania (62.7%)

and exceeding the nation (57.7%). Tioga County’s owner occupancy rate fell slightly below

Pennsylvania’s but was similar to the U.S. owner occupancy rate. At only 35.2%, Sullivan County had a

much lower rate of owner occupancy than the rest of the region, state, and nation.

Northern Tier counties had a lower rate of renter occupancy than the state and the nation. Sullivan

County’s housing stock was only 8.8% renter occupied. Susquehanna County’s housing stock was 16.9%

renter occupied, and Bradford, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties had renter occupancy rates of around

20%. In comparison, the Pennsylvania and national renter occupancy rates were 27.4% and 30.9%,

respectively.

TABLE 17

HOUSING TENURE IN NORTHERN TIER, PENNSYLVANIA, AND THE UNITED STATES,

2011 5-YEAR ACS ESTIMATES

Bradford County

Sullivan County

Susquehanna County

Tioga County

Wyoming County


Owner Occupied 62.7% 35.2% 60.6% 58.4% 65.0% 62.7% 57.7%

Renter Occupied 21.7% 8.8% 16.9% 19.9% 19.8% 27.4% 30.9%

Vacant 15.5% 55.9% 22.5% 21.7% 15.2% 9.9% 11.4%


VAC ANC Y ST AT US

Vacancy rates were higher in the Northern Tier in 2010 than in the state and nation. Bradford and

Wyoming Counties had the lowest vacancy rates, just below 16%. Susquehanna and Tioga Counties had

vacancy rates of slightly over 20%. Sullivan County was the outlier, with a vacancy rate of 55.9%. In

comparison, Pennsylvania’s vacancy rate was only 9.9% and the national rate was 11.4% in 2010.

The U.S. Census classifies the majority of vacant housing in the Northern Tier as seasonal, recreational,

or occasional use. In each county, at least 63% of vacant housing is classified this way. Sullivan County

has by far the most seasonal housing: 93.4% of its 3,527 vacant homes are seasonal, recreational, or

occasional use homes. Those houses that are vacant for “other” reasons also make up a significant

portion of the vacancy rate. These homes may be vacant for reasons other than those listed, such as

those that are being held off the market by an owner for repairs, those with a possibility of future

occupancy, or homes that are bank-owned and not yet on the market for sale or rent.

Seasonal homes are indicative of areas that are graced with natural resources, such as the rugged

terrain, lakes, and mountains, which create the serenity found in the Northern Tier. Because the owners

of these homes are not full-time residents, they do not place demands on public services, such as the

police, library, education, and healthcare. The homes are also available for lease/rent to attract visitors

and tourists to the Northern Tier. These visitors and tourists assist in strengthening the local economy

through purchases made at local retail establishments, restaurants, and gas stations, among others.

TABLE 18

VACANCY STATUS IN NORTHERN TIER, 2011 5-YEAR ACS ESTIMATES

Bradford County

Sullivan County

Susquehanna County

Tioga County

Wyoming County


For rent 11.5% 1.4% 5.1% 6.2% 8.6% 17.7% 20.4%

Rented, not occupied 1.0% 0.2% 0.5% 0.7% 0.8% 3.7% 3.7%

For sale only 3.7% 1.0% 4.1% 3.6% 4.0% 10.8% 11.7%

Sold, not occupied 2.0% 0.4% 1.1% 1.3% 1.6% 4.3% 3.8%

For seasonal recreational, or occasional use

64.9% 93.4% 74.0% 75.0% 67.8% 27.7% 30.0%

For migrant workers 1.3% 0.0% 0.2% 0.1% 0.2% 0.1% 0.2%

Other vacant 15.7% 3.7% 14.9% 13.0% 17.0% 36.3% 30.2%

HO ME VAL UE AN D AGE O F HO US I NG

All five counties in the Northern Tier have lower median home values than those of the state and nation.

Within the region, Bradford County experienced the greatest increase in median home value between

2000 and 2010 at 64%. All five counties, as well as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, had greater

increases in median home value than the United States during that period. Based on the 2012 estimates,

Tioga and Wyoming Counties were the only counties to experience a decline in median home value

between 2010 and 2012. According to the projection, the Northern Tier counties, Pennsylvania, and the

United States will all have increases in median home value between 2012 and 2017. Tioga and Wyoming

Counties are expected to increase the most during that time. The following graph indicates trends in

median home value in the Northern Tier counties, Pennsylvania, and the continental United States.


F I G U RE 13: ME D I A N H OM E VA L U E

Based on American Community Survey five-year estimates, about one-third of the housing stock in the

Northern Tier counties was built in 1939 or earlier, compared with 27.8% in Pennsylvania and only

13.9% in the United States. While old homes are desirable in some cases, this could be a reason for

lower median home values in the Northern Tier than in the state and nation: older homes require more

maintenance and may have more problems with safety or quality.

During the period of 1940 to 1969, the Northern Tier counties experienced relatively fewer new homes

being built when compared with the state and the nation. On average, about 17.9% of the housing stock

in the Northern Tier was built during this 30-year period, compared to 32.6% in Pennsylvania and 28.1%

in the United States. About 42.2% of the Northern Tier’s housing stock was built from 1970 to 1999,

similar to 44.3% in the United States. About 32% of Pennsylvania’s housing stock was built during this

period. The Northern Tier has fewer “young” homes (built in 2000 or later). Only about 6.1% of the

region’s homes were built during or after 2000, compared with the state and the nation at 7.6% and

13.8%, respectively.

TABLE 19

HOUSING UNITS BY YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT, 2011 (AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY FIVE-YEAR ESTIMATE*)

Year Structure was Built

Bradford County

Sullivan County

Susquehanna County

Tioga County

Wyoming County

Pennsylvania United

States**

2005 or later 2.1% 2.6% 1.9% 2.0% 1.2% 2.8% 5.1%

2000-2004 3.8% 2.7% 3.9% 5.5% 4.7% 4.8% 8.7%

1990 to 1999 11.8% 15.9% 12.7% 12.7% 12.4% 9.3% 14.0%

1980 to 1989 11.4% 11.7% 16.0% 11.7% 12.2% 9.9% 14.1%

1970 to 1979 16.0% 16.7% 14.0% 15.9% 20.5% 12.8% 16.2%

1960 to 1969 7.4% 5.8% 8.7% 8.7% 7.9% 10.1% 11.3%

1950 to 1959 5.7% 7.5% 6.0% 5.2% 6.4% 14.0% 11.1%

1940 to 1949 4.2% 3.7% 4.3% 3.6% 4.6% 8.5% 5.7%

1939 or earlier 37.7% 34.1% 32.4% 34.8% 29.1% 27.8% 13.9%

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

$160,000

$180,000

$200,000

Median Home Value, 2000-2017

Bradford County

Sullivan County

Susquehanna County

Tioga County

Wyoming County

Pennsylvania

Continental U.S.


*Data in this table is based on five-year estimates from the American Community Survey (2007-2011),

because it is not available in the 2010 Decennial Census.

**In this table, the term United States refers to all 50 states rather than only the contiguous 48 states.

IMPACTS OF MARCELLUS SHALE NATURAL GAS AND HOUSING

The Center for the Study of Community and the Economy at Lycoming College was commissioned by the

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) to research the effects that the Marcellus Shale natural

gas industry is having on housing in affected areas of Pennsylvania. This study, published in October

2011, found that the stage of the development of the gas industry in the area has an effect on the

availability of rentals. The availability and quality of rental property available before the Marcellus shale

industry started to be developed also affects the current situation. If the county population is large with

a newer housing stock, the effect of the Marcellus development is less noticed. Because approximately

33% of the housing stock in the Northern Tier was built in 1939 or earlier, the Northern Tier is likely to

experience challenges in addressing the drastic changes in housing needs due to the development of the

Marcellus Shale industry.

Gas industry employees seem to arrive in waves, and each wave has a distinct housing need. The first

wave of employees includes gas company management employees who set up the infrastructure of the

industry. After doing so, they may be moved to a new location. The other component of the first wave is

the drillers and support personnel who follow the rigs or construct new pipelines or compressor

stations. If a rig is moved to a new county or state once construction is complete, these workers also

move. This first wave has temporary housing needs and is primarily concerned with renting rather than

buying. Their short-term housing needs may last from a few months to a couple of years. These housing

needs may also surge and decline over time in response to variations in the level of drilling in a given

area.

The second wave of gas employees includes out-of-state gas company office and field workers as well as

native Pennsylvanians who have recently been hired. These second-wave employees will reside in their

respective communities for the long term. Even if the individuals in these long-term positions should

move or quit, the position will be refilled. This group may choose to rent in the short term to learn more

about the area but often will eventually buy a home. The existence of these two distinct waves of gas

and service company employees leads to significant differences in the housing effects from one

community to the next.

Barriers to adequate provision of rental units for natural gas employees include the following:

Overall shortage of rental units: The existing vacancy rate of rental units is not enough to

support the dramatic increase in demand.

Quality of available rental units: Most units are older structures and need significant repairs.

Rental prices: Demand has doubled or tripled rental rates.

Preferences of renters are inconsistent with available units: Renters are used to more

amenities than are offered in the Northern Tier; they also want short commute times and

furnished units.

The housing needs of the second wave of employees are more permanent than the first wave and have

only begun to relocate to affected areas. Many expect to be employed here for their entire career. As

they move up within their organizations and potentially move out of the area, their positions will be

filled. Their needs range from young professionals looking for apartments or starter homes, to families


with children, to empty-nesters looking to downsize. In some cases, workers native to the Marcellus

region are also adding to the pressure on the housing market as they look to upgrade their housing

situation. Prices for owner-occupied housing are not increasing at the same rate as they are for rentals;

this helps to increase demand for owner-occupied homes since it has become cheaper to buy than rent.

Reasons for the slow growth in owner-occupied housing may include the following:

Discontinuity in pricing: There is a substantial difference between the asking price of sellers

and the prices that buyers wish to pay.

Timing: Many communities are only just beginning to see growth in the second wave of

natural gas workers, and demand will likely increase with time. Recently, the industry has

not been as active as the past few years, which has also slowed the growth in owner-

occupied housing.

Financing: Home buyers are facing more stringent bank regulations and credit requirements.

Quality of units: Like renters, home buyers want newer, furnished housing units with open

floor plans and little to no repair needs.

According to the Center for the Study of Community and the Economy’s study, the timeline for

development of new housing appears to be closely related to the timeline of gas industry development

within communities. During the first phase of development and the early drilling work, the general

public was largely uninformed about the changes occurring. As rigs moved into the area and the natural

gas workforce began to grow, the public began to understand the new, growing industry, and the

housing impact was felt by residents. The development community had to begin their planning and due

diligence to determine what opportunities exist, whether they wanted to respond, where to locate

projects, and the options for financing, approvals, and construction.

The timing of these steps varies based on the developer’s circumstances and perceptions of the

opportunity presented. Growth of the natural gas industry varied from community to community, but

typically the first sign of significant change came around 2007 or 2008. It was another year or two

before the scale of change registered with developers, and there is still the question of how long the

industry will remain to impact the community and the housing stock. Development of new housing

tends to be slow and include relatively few units. This is to be expected: impacts of the industry were

not realized right away and it will take time for the housing market to catch up.

Rehabilitation of old homes is not often an option. Unexpected costs tend to emerge as the

rehabilitation goes on and while some developers have an interest in rehab projects, the renovated

units remain difficult to sell or rent because they are usually in broadly run down areas. One local official

surveyed in the study indicated that they would prefer demolition funds to make areas available for new

housing. In some cases, gas companies are working directly with developers to fund housing projects but

since this requires the development to meet the company’s specific needs and location, they are small

scale and will be unlikely to occur at the scale needed to relieve the overall pressure in the Marcellus

region.

Constraints on development in the Northern Tier region include the following:

Availability of infrastructure: In many rural communities, infrastructure is at its maximum

capacity, and municipalities have little ability to invest in upgrades.

Availability of developable land: The nature of the terrain and presence of floodplain areas

make it difficult to develop new areas for housing.


Lack of long-range housing and development planning: Makes it difficult for municipalities

to provide guidance to developers on where to build.

National housing crisis: Financing for developers and home buyers is difficult to come by.

Uncertainty as to the nature of the gas industry: Questions remain regarding how long

development will last and what will come of housing developments when the gas industry

leaves permanently.

Recommendations by Lycoming College to help the region handle the housing demand include:

Communities may wish to be proactive with increasing the capacity of local developers to

provide new housing. Local officials should meet with builders to encourage development

capacity by establishing a working relationship.

Developers should work with local water and sewer officials to plan for increased capacity

and to identify funding sources to carry out plans.

The easiest place to start to provide relief may be through increasing the supply of housing

for senior citizens, since this type of housing was in demand prior to Marcellus-driven

housing shortages. This may be a useful option for public funds and alleviate housing

pressure across the market.

Private and public efforts can be made to invest in the rehabilitation of older housing stock

to update major systems and general aesthetics to make older homes more attractive to

new arrivals.

Engage the gas industry. Those working in the industry have a variety of housing needs and

should not be treated as a single, unified entity. Development of new housing should focus

on the needs of individuals and the strengths and weaknesses of the community where a

particular project might be located.

Housing Development

In today’s economy, and with the changes that have occurred in the housing market since 2008,

communities need to effectively plan and work with developers to ensure housing development, and its

subsequent supply, does not exceed the demand of the market. As stated previously within this report,

the senior population in the Northern Tier represents a growing market for new housing developments.

Focusing on their housing needs should become a top priority for county and local government officials.

Senior housing should be located in proximity to healthcare facilities, transportation networks, and

other community services.

INCO ME

Median income in the Northern Tier counties lags behind the state and the nation. However, recent

trends show that Wyoming and Susquehanna Counties are catching up; Wyoming is predicted to surpass

both Pennsylvania and the continental United States in median income around 2017. Between 2000 and

2010, all five counties experienced an increase in median income, averaging 22.2% across the region.

From 2000 to 2012, Bradford and Tioga Counties had a slight decrease in median income, but are

expected to increase from 2012 to 2017. According to the projection, Wyoming County is expected to

have the greatest increase in median income from 2012 to 2017.


TABLE 20

MEDIAN INCOME, 2000-2017

2000

(Actual) 2010

(Actual) 2012

(Estimated) 2017

(Projected)

Change 2000 to

2010

Change 2012 to

2017

Bradford County $35,035 $42,713 $39,374 $45,689 21.9% 16.0%

Sullivan County $30,256 $37,778 $40,743 $46,084 24.9% 13.1%

Susquehanna County

$33,646 $40,635 $44,016 $50,281 20.8% 14.2%

Tioga County $31,971 $39,534 $38,770 $43,249 23.7% 11.6%

Wyoming County $36,287 $43,419 $49,086 $58,770 19.7% 19.7%

Pennsylvania $40,108 $52,723 $49,167 $57,204 22.6% 16.3%

Continental U.S. $42,119 $54,391 $50,098 $56,822 18.9% 13.4%

The five Northern Tier counties lag behind Pennsylvania and the continental United States in per capita

income as well as median income. Per capita income in Northern Tier counties ranges from $15,549 in

Tioga County to $17,452 in Wyoming County, compared to per capita incomes of $20,880 in the state

and $21,582 in the nation. However, like the trend in median income, per capita income in the region is

catching up to the state and the region. According to the projection, by 2017, Wyoming County will have

the greatest increase in per capita income (18.8% from 2012) and will be the only county in the region to

have caught up to and surpassed the national average per capita income of $29,865.

TABLE 21

PER CAPITA INCOME, 2000-2017

2000

(Actual) 2010

(Actual) 2012

(Estimated) 2017

(Projected)

Change 2000 to

2010

Change 2012 to

2017

Bradford County $17,148 $20,631 $21,044 $23,432 20.3% 11.3%

Sullivan County $16,438 $20,436 $23,298 $25,387 24.3% 9.0%

Susquehanna County $16,435 $19,813 $22,195 $24,100 20.6% 8.6%

Tioga County $15,549 $19,339 $20,437 $22,601 24.4% 10.6%

Wyoming County $17,452 $20,774 $25,173 $29,901 19.0% 18.8%

Pennsylvania $20,880 $26,585 $26,715 $30,823 27.9% 15.4%

Continental U.S. $21,582 $26,731 $26,394 $29,865 22.3% 13.2%

INDUS TRY AND JO B TRENDS

UNEMP LO Y MEN T

From 2006 to 2009, the Northern Tier counties had a similar unemployment rate to the state and the nation. As the gas industry grew from 2010 to 2012, the region experienced a lower unemployment rate than the state and nation. The latest unemployment figures from March 2013 indicate that unemployment is growing again in the Northern Tier: in four of the five counties, unemployment is


higher in 2013 than in 2012, except in Susquehanna County, where the rate stayed the same. Bradford County consistently has a low unemployment rate compared to the rest of the region, and Tioga and Wyoming Counties consistently have the highest unemployment rates in the region.

TABLE 22

UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE NORTHERN TIER, PENNSYLVANIA, AND THE UNITED STATES, 2006-2013

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

2013 (June)

Bradford County 4.7% 4.7% 5.3% 8.2% 6.7% 5.8% 6.5% 7.3%

Sullivan County 5.2% 4.6% 5.7% 8.4% 8.4% 7.6% 7.5% 8.0%

Susquehanna County

4.8% 4.3% 5.7% 8.4% 8.4% 7.6% 7.5% 7.1%

Tioga County 5.4% 5.4% 6.1% 9.5% 8.0% 6.8% 7.6% 8.8%

Wyoming County 5.1% 5.2% 6.1% 8.4% 9.0% 9.3% 9.6% 9.4%

Pennsylvania 4.5% 4.4% 5.3% 7.9% 8.4% 7.9% 7.9% 7.5%

United States 4.6% 4.6% 5.8% 9.3% 9.6% 8.9% 8.1% 7.6%

JO B TR ENDS

BRADFORD COUNTY

As of the second quarter of 2012, the industries in Bradford County employing the most workers were

Health Care and Social Assistance (22.7%), Manufacturing (15.7%), and Retail Trade (11.2%).

Employment in the Health Care industry increased modestly at 4.3% between 2009 and 2012, and

employment in the Retail Trade industry increased by 25.6% during that time. Manufacturing

employment fell by 12.7%.

Employment in industries related to the development of Marcellus Shale in Bradford County increased

drastically between the second quarter of 2009 and the second quarter of 2012. The Mining, Quarrying,

and Oil and Gas Extraction industry increased by 1,016.7%, or 915 workers, during this period. Similarly,

the Construction industry increased by 99.8% (539 workers); Transportation and Warehousing increased

by 101.4% (646 workers); and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing increased by 600% (528 workers) in

terms of employment. Overall, from the second quarter of 2009 to the same period in 2012, Bradford

County gained 3,357 jobs.

Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction comprises 4.2% of employment in Bradford County, an

increase from 0.4% of total employment in 2009. Construction comprises 4.6% of employment,

Transportation and Warehousing comprises 5.4% of employment, and Real Estate comprises 2.6% of

employment in Bradford County.

SULLIVAN COUNTY

As of the second quarter of 2012, the industries in Sullivan County employing the most workers were

Health Care and Social Assistance (29.5%), Retail Trade (11.3%), and Public Administration (10.8%). From

2009 to 2012, employment in the Health Care industry increased by 16.5%. Employment in Retail Trade

and Public Administration increased by 2.6% and 2.1%, respectively.

Employment changes in industries relating to the development of Marcellus Shale have not been as

pronounced in Sullivan County as in Bradford County. Employment in the Mining industry increased

from zero to 78 workers. Construction increased by 17.3% (19 workers), Transportation and

Warehousing decreased by 15.4% (lost two workers), and the Real Estate industry stayed the same in


terms of employment. Overall, from the second quarter of 2009 to the same period in 2012, Sullivan

County gained 41 jobs.

Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction comprises 5.6% of employment in Sullivan County.

Construction comprises 9.3% of employment, Transportation and Warehousing comprises 0.8% of

employment, and Real Estate comprises 0% of employment in Sullivan County.

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

In the second quarter of 2012, the industries employing the most workers in Susquehanna County were

Retail Trade (15.2%), Health Care and Social Assistance (13.5%), and Educational Services (12.3%).

Employment in the Retail Trade industry increased by a slight 1.3% from 2009 to 2012. Health Care

industry employment and Educational Services employment declined by 10.6% and 27.3%, respectively.

Employment in most industries related to the development of Marcellus Shale increased dramatically

from the second quarter of 2009 to the same period in 2012. Employment in the Mining industry

increased by 95.8% (345 workers), Transportation and Warehousing increased by 79.2% (95 workers),

and Real Estate increased by 346.3% (142 workers). Employment in the Construction industry increased

by a modest 17.8% (71 workers). Overall, from the second quarter of 2009 to the second quarter of

2012, Susquehanna County gained 227 jobs.

Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction comprises 9.1% of employment in Susquehanna County.


employment, and Real Estate comprises 2.4% of employment in Susquehanna County.

TIOGA COUNTY

In Tioga County, the industries employing the most workers as of the second quarter of 2012 were

Manufacturing (18.3%), Health Care and Social Assistance (16.2%), and Retail Trade (12.1%). From 2009

to 2012, employment in the Manufacturing industry increased by 8.5%. Health Care employment

declined slightly by 0.7%, and Retail Trade employment increased by a small margin at 1.8%.

Employment in the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction industry and Transportation and

Warehousing industry increased drastically from the second quarter of 2009 to the second quarter of

2012. They increased by 1,533.3% (368 workers) and 11,934% (376 workers), respectively. The

Construction and Real Estate industries also increased by a large percentage: 30.7% (103 workers) and

58.1% (18 workers), respectively. Overall, from 2009 to 2012, Tioga County gained 1,235 jobs.

Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction comprises 3.1% of employment in Tioga County.


employment, and Real Estate comprises 0.4% of employment in Tioga County.

WYOMING COUNTY

As of the second quarter of 2012, the industries employing the most workers were Manufacturing

(30.5%), Retail Trade (12.7%), and Health Care and Social Assistance (8.8%). Manufacturing industry

employment declined in Wyoming County between 2009 and 2012 by 2.4%. Employment in the Retail

Trade industry increased by 6.6%, and Health Care employment declined by 26.2% in the same period.

Employment in the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction industry increased dramatically from

the second quarter of 2009 to the second quarter of 2012: 622.2%, or 224 workers. Employment in the

Real Estate industry also increased by a large percentage: 60.0% (though only 6 workers). Employment

in Transportation and Warehousing increased modestly at 14.9% (81 workers). Construction


employment increased slightly by 3.3% (18 workers). Overall, from 2009 to 2012, Wyoming County

gained 82 jobs.

Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction comprises 2.7% of employment in Wyoming County.


employment, and Real Estate comprises 0.2% of employment in Wyoming County.


TABLE 23

EMPLOYMENT IN THE NORTHERN TIER, QUARTER 2 OF 2009 AND QUARTER 2 OF 2012

Bradford County Sullivan County Susquehanna County Tioga County Wyoming County

2009 Q2 2012 Q2 2009 Q2 2012 Q2 2009 Q2 2012 Q2 2009 Q2 2012 Q2 2009 Q2 2012 Q2

Ag, For, Fish, Hunt

139 145 29 16 37 74 77 88 115 124

Min, Quarry, Oil, Gas

90 1005 0 78 360 705 24 392 36 260

Utilities 150 171 0 0 36 40 142 144 28 18

Construction 540 1079 110 129 400 471 335 438 552 570

Manufacturing 4269 3725 82 72 451 524 2152 2335 3016 2945

Wholesale Trade

655 806 46 45 313 176 446 695 354 405

Retail Trade 2119 2661 152 156 1156 1171 1520 1547 1151 1227

Transp and Warehousing

637 1283 13 11 120 215 315 691 544 625

Information 211 280 22 35 91 111 159 163 112 105

Fin and Ins 556 509 25 25 228 224 415 424 192 217

Real Est, Rent, Lease

88 616 0 0 41 183 31 49 10 16

Prof, Sci, Tech Services

399 701 16 28 180 216 197 374 195 186

Mgmt of Cos and Ent

382 357 0 0 75 81 0 51 16 11

Admin and Support Waste Mgmt and Remed.

364 439 24 42 117 142 136 164 229 163

Edu Services 1820 1698 159 0 1312 954 1485 982 795 780

Health Care, Social Asst

5151 5374 351 409 1170 1046 2077 2062 1158 855

Arts, Ent, Rec 86 120 45 46 156 94 43 50 31 43

Accom, Food Services

1155 1181 83 94 711 718 885 1029 552 613

Other Services 515 512 41 50 273 324 345 347 184 204

Public Admin 1012 1033 146 149 274 259 734 728 312 297

Total 20338 23695 1344 1385 7501 7728 11518 12753 9582 9664

Source: Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD). Note: Employment reflects jobs provided by companies located within the Northern Tier. It does not include those jobs held by transient workers.


AGRICULTURE

While employment statistics and trends can be obtained from a number of data sets at state and federal

levels, these data sets are often derived from different sources and, when used alone, may not portray a

complete picture of the local economy. The Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD)

program, part of the Center for Economic Studies at the U.S. Census Bureau, provides public-use

information that combines data on employers and employees under the Local Employment Dynamics

(LED) Partnership. Through this partnership, states agree to share Unemployment Insurance earnings

data and the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) data with the Census Bureau. The

LEHD program combines these and other administrative data with data from censuses and surveys to

create statistics on employment, earnings, and job flows at detailed levels of geography and industry

and for different demographic groups. To ensure an analysis based on the most complete data possible,

data from the LED Partnership was used in analyzing the economic conditions and trends in the

Northern Tier.

The employment numbers depicted in Table 23 do not tell the whole story as it relates to the

agricultural, forestry, hunting, and fishing industries in the Northern Tier. Farms, many of which are

family owned, voluntarily submit their labor information to the Department of Labor; therefore, much of

this employment data is not captured. To better understand the changes in this industry, Delta analyzed

data obtained from the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Services.

According to the data obtained from the USDA, agriculture continues to be an important sector in the

Northern Tier’s economy. The Northern Tier lost four farms between the period of 2007 and 2009. The

farm land area also decreased from 714,739 acres to 710,000.

Delta also analyzed changes in crop production from 2010 to 2011. Other than corn for silage, there was

a substantial increase in the crop production in many of the counties (where data was available) during

this time period.

The following tables show greater detail of changes that have occurred within the agricultural industry

in the Northern Tier. As the agriculture industry comprises a large percentage of the Northern Tier’s

economy, the region should continue to protect this industry through land use regulations and policies,

providing education to farmers on sustainable farming practices, encouraging agro-tourism, and

initiating farm-to-table programs that create partnerships between local restaurants and the region’s

farmers.

Farm Comparison – 2007 to 2009

2007 2009

County Number

of Farms

(number)

Land in

Farms

(acres)

Average

Size of

Farm

(acres)

Number

of Farms

(number)

Land in

Farms (acres)

Average Size of

Farm (acres)

Bradford 1,457 266,635 183 1,456 265,000 182

Sullivan 165 27,821 169 165 28,000 170


Susquehanna 1,008 158,218 157 1,007 157,000 156

Tioga 1,011 184,108 182 1,010 183,000 181

Wyoming 649 77,957 120 648 77,000 119

Source: USDA, National Agriculture Statistics Service

Production Comparison Corn For Grain

2010-2011

2010 2011

County Planted

(acres)

Production

(bushels)

Value of

Production

($)

Planted

(acres)

Production

(bushels)

Value of

Production ($)

Bradford 27,000 1,346,000 8,237,520 No data No data No data

Sullivan 2,900 134,400 822,528 3,300 155,000 1,100,500

Tioga 12,600 634,000 3,880,080 17,500 780,000 5,538,000

Source: USDA, National Agriculture Statistics Service (Pennsylvania Agriculture Statistics 2011-2012)

Production Comparison Corn For Silage

2010-2011

2010 2011

County Harvested for

Silage (Acres)

Production

(tons)

Value of

Production

($)

Harvested

for Silage

(Acres)

Production

(tons)

Value of

Production ($)

Bradford 16,100 225,000 9,225,000 16,500 227,000 13,166,000

Sullivan 1,600 33,800 1,385,800 1,400 22,700 1,316,600

Susquehanna 4,900 79,000 3,239,000 No data No data No data

Tioga 7,100 118,000 4,838,000 9,500 111,000 6,438,000


Wyoming No data No data No data 1,200 16,700 968,600

Production Comparison Dry Hay

2010-2011

2010 2011

County Harvested

(Acres)

Production

(tons)

Value of

Production

($)

Harvested

(Acres)

Production

(tons)

Value of

Production ($)

Bradford 53,800 75,300 8,358,300 56,100 129,000 17,286,000

Sullivan 4,800 7,700 854,700 5,400 12,700 1,701,800

Susquehanna 40,100 63,100 7,004,100 44,000 78,800 10,559,200

Tioga 53,000 112,000 12,432,000 62,000 121,300 16,254,200

Wyoming 12,600 22,700 2,519,700 13,600 26,300 3,524,200

Production Comparison All Forage

2010-2011

2010 2011

County Harvested

(Acres)

Production

(tons)

Value of

Production

($)

Harvested

(Acres)

Production

(tons)

Value of

Production ($)

Bradford 74,000 179,300 20,354,670 78,200 212,000 31,766,080

Sullivan - - - 8,700 24,600 3,686,064

Susquehanna - - - 52,600 101,900 15,268,696

Tioga 64,900 174,500 19,809,760 77,400 166,200 24,903,408

Wyoming 17,700 32,400 3,678,150 18,800 39,000 5,843,760



Cattle Value Comparison 2010-2011

2010 2011

County Head (Number) Value ($) Head (Number) Value ($)

Bradford 64,000 62,080,000 64,000 62,080,000

Sullivan 3,900 3,783,000 4,000 3,880,000

Susquehanna 29,500 28,615,000 30,000 29,100,000

Tioga 27,500 26,675,000 28,000 27,160,000

Wyoming 5,900 5,723,000 6,000 5,820,000

Number of Milk Cows Comparison 2010-2011

2010 2011

County Average (Number) Value of

Production

($1,000)

Average (Number) Value of

Production

($1000)

Bradford 19,600 69,559 19,500 85,085

Sullivan 1,900 6,498 1,900 7,404

Susquehanna 8,700 30,203 8,400 34,255

Tioga 10,600 36,610 10,400 41,990

Wyoming 1,900 6,315 1,900 8,509


Ranking of Counties in Livestock, Poultry and Number of Farms, 2011-2012

Commodity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Inventory 2012

Cattle/Calves Lanc. Franklin Berks Bradford Cumber. Lebanon Bedford

.

York Somerset Crawford


Hogs/Pigs Lanc. Lebanon Frank. Berks Perry North’ld York Snyder Juniata Fulton

Sheep/Lamb Wash Lanc. York Bedford Greene Chester Dauphi

n

Somerset Cambria Mercer

Cows-

Milking Herd

Lanc. Franklin Lebanon Berks Bradford Chester Blair Bedford Somerset Cumber.

Production, 2011

Broilers Lanc. Lebanon Snyder Juniata Berks Union Schuyl. North’ld Dauphin Perry

Milk Lanc. Franklin Lebanon Berks Chester Bradford Blair Cumber. Bedford Somerset

# of Farms

(2011)

Lanc. York Wash. Berks Chester Erie Cumb. Indiana Franklin Crawford


MARCELLUS SHALE IMPACTS ON JOB GROWTH

The northeast region of Pennsylvania (Bradford, Carbon, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties) saw moderate growth during the initial stages of Marcellus development, with only 76 wells drilled in 2008. Within the Northern Tier, 288 wells were drilled in 2009; this represented 11% of all drilling activity in Pennsylvania. In 2010, 782 wells were drilled; representing 27% of the drilling activity in Pennsylvania. In 2011, 959 wells were drilled; representing 33% of the drilling activity in Pennsylvania. By 2012, the drilling activities began to show some slowdown with only 520 wells being drilled within the Northern Tier’s counties; this represented 22% of the activity in Pennsylvania.

As shown on Table 23, during the second quarter of 2009, 510 people were employed within the Mining,

Quarry, Oil and Gas Industry in the Northern Tier; by the second quarter of 2012 this number increased

over 400% to 2,440. These jobs are not solely related to the natural gas industry, they also include jobs

related to mining, quarries and mining support industries.

CYCLICAL NATURE OF THE NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY

In the summer of 2012, Pittsburgh TODAY featured a report written by Seamus McGraw, entitled The

Problem of Price, which discussed the changes that occur within the natural gas industry. According to

the report, the cyclical nature of the gas industry begins with a period of expansion, referred to as boom

times, where the industry invests billions into the natural gas regions followed by very lean times. In the

Marcellus Shale regions, the state of the art techniques used to extract the natural gas (hydraulic

fracturing, horizontal drilling and knowledge of where the richest deposits are located) have allowed the

gas companies to extract the gas at a much higher rate than what was experienced in the past. This

abundance in the supply of natural gas, along with the low price of natural gas has contributed to the

reduction in the industries’ operations. On an upside, the low gas prices have expanded the use of


natural gas for electrical generation. Although this use alone will not impact the natural slowdown

occurring in the industry, it will assist in creating additional demand for the commodity. Developing

environmentally friendly uses for natural gas would also play a large role in creating additional demand.

CO MM UT E PAT TE RNS

In 2011, the Northern Tier employed 56,374 people with 31.8% of the workers traveling in from outside

of the Northern Tier. Many of these workers reside in the Southern Tier counties of New York including

Tioga County (3.2%), Chemung County (1.9%), and adjacent counties such as Lackawanna County (3.7%),

Luzerne County (4.0%), and Lycoming County (2.1%).

TABLE 24. WHERE NORTHERN TIER EMPLOYEES LIVE, 2011

Count Share

Bradford County, PA 15,909 28.2%

Tioga County, PA 9,891 17.5%

Susquehanna County, PA 7,110 12.6%

Wyoming County, PA 4,300 7.6%

Luzerne County, PA 2,233 4.0%

Lackawanna County, PA 2,110 3.7%

Tioga County, NY 1,823 3.2%

Sullivan County, PA 1,215 2.2%

Lycoming County, PA 1,197 2.1%

Chemung County, NY 1,093 1.9%

All Other Locations 9,493 16.8%

During this same time period, the Northern Tier region experienced a net outflow of approximately

18,580 workers. The region has natural affinities to the Southern Tier of New York State, as it borders

four adjacent New York counties (Broome, Chemung, Tioga, and Steuben), and is influenced by the

employment centers of Binghamton, Elmira, and Corning. Similarly, strong relationships exist with the

economic centers of Williamsport, Pennsylvania to the southwest and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region

of Pennsylvania to the southeast. It is not uncommon for a rural region located near such large urban

employment centers to have an outflow of workers.


FIGURE 3: INFLOW-OUTFLOW OF WORKERS MAP OF NORTHERN TIER REGION

TABLE 25: NET OUTFLOW OF WORKERS, 2007-2011

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Bradford County 3,822 3,749 4,115 5,290 3,904

Sullivan County 312 412 359 1,125 800

Susquehanna County

7,484 7,810 8,288 10,721 11,643

Tioga County 3,456 3,637 3,582 4,377 1,584

Wyoming County 757 2333 2,139 2,560 649

BRADFORD COUNTY

The net outflow of workers from Bradford County decreased slightly from 2007 to 2008, and increased

from 2008 to 2010. This means that each year from 2008 to 2010, more people were living in Bradford

County than were employed in the County. In 2008, there was an outflow of 3,749 workers and by 2010,

the net outflow increased to 5,290. Bradford County experienced a 26.2% decline in worker outflow in

the year 2011: 1,386 fewer workers left the county for employment than in 2010. In 2011,

approximately 58.5% of the 23,832 jobs in Bradford County were filled by county residents in the

County. Remaining jobs were filled by residents of other Northern Tier counties (10.8%) and New York

(7.1% from Tioga County and 3.9% from Chemung County). About 7.1% of workers living in Bradford

County traveled to other counties in the Northern Tier region for employment. Other Bradford County

residents traveled to New York (5.1% to Chemung County, 3.3% to Tioga County, and 2.2% to New York

County) and outside the Northern Tier region (2.4% to Lycoming County, 1.6% to Philadelphia County) to

find work.


TABLE 26: WHERE BRADFORD COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE EMPLOYED, 2011

Count Share


Chemung County, NY 1,420 5.1%

Tioga County, NY 907 3.3%

Tioga County, PA 861 3.1%

Lycoming County, PA 654 2.4%

Wyoming County, PA 638 2.3%

New York County, NY 614 2.2%

Broome County, NY 587 2.1%

Philadelphia County, PA 451 1.6%

Other Counties 7,659 27.6%

SULLIVAN COUNTY

From 2007 to 2008, there was an increase in the net outflow of workers from Sullivan County, and from

2008 to 2009, the net outflow of workers from Sullivan County decreased from 412 to 359. However,

between 2009 and 2010, the net outflow of workers tripled to 1,125. In 2011, the net outflow of

workers decreased again, to 800. While the number of jobs in the County increased from 2009 to 2010,

the rate of people leaving the County for employment also increased, indicating that many of the new

jobs were filled by people living outside Sullivan County. In 2011, 39.3% or 563 of the 1,434 jobs in

Sullivan County were also employed within the County. Remaining jobs in Sullivan County were filled by

residents of other Northern Tier counties (20.5%) and nearby Pennsylvania counties (10.1% from

Lycoming County and 7.9% from Luzerne County). About 29.1% of workers living in Sullivan County

traveled to other counties in the Northern Tier region for employment in 2011. Other Sullivan County

residents traveled outside the Northern Tier region (18.2% to Lycoming County, 4.3% to Luzerne County,

and 3.6% to Columbia County) and to New York (3.2% to Chemung, Broome, and Steuben Counties) to

find work.

TABLE 27: WHERE SULLIVAN COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE EMPLOYED, 2011

Count Share

Sullivan County, PA 563 25.2%

Lycoming, PA 407 18.2%

Bradford County, PA 340 15.2%

Wyoming County, PA 249 11.1%

Luzerne County, PA 97 4.3%

Columbia County, PA 81 3.6%

Clinton County, PA 60 2.7%

Northumberland County, PA

48 2.1%

Other Counties 389 17.6%

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

The net outflow of workers from Susquehanna County increased steadily from 2007 to 2010. In 2007,

there was an outflow of 7,484; in 2009, there was an outflow of 8,288; and by 2010, the outflow

increased to 10,721. Susquehanna County was the only Northern Tier county to experience an increase


in net outflow of workers between 2010 and 2011, at 8.6%. The number of jobs available in

Susquehanna County has varied from 2007 to 2010, but the rate of County residents working within the

County decreased each year from 2007 to 2010 (in 2007, 32.2% of residents worked in Susquehanna

County, compared to 27.2% in 2010). In 2011, 62.9% or 5,055 of the 8,032 jobs in Susquehanna County

were filled by residents of the County. Remaining jobs in Susquehanna County were filled by residents of

other Pennsylvania counties (7.5% from Lackawanna County, 4.3% from Wayne County, 1.7% from

Luzerne County) and Broome County, New York (4.6%). Only 8.8% of jobs in Susquehanna County were

filled by residents of the other Northern Tier counties in 2011. Other Susquehanna County residents

traveled to New York (13.2% to Broome County and 1.5% to New York County) and outside the Northern

Tier region (12.8% to Lackawanna County, 4.4% to Luzerne County, and 2% to Wayne County) to find

work. About 10.4% of workers living in Susquehanna County traveled to other counties in the Northern

Tier region for employment in 2011.

TABLE 28: WHERE SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE EMPLOYED, 2011

Count Share

Susquehanna County, PA 5,055 25.7%

Broome County, NY 2,596 13.2%





Wayne County, PA 387 2.0%

New York County, NY 297 1.5%


TIOGA COUNTY

The net outflow of workers from Tioga County remained steady from 2007 to 2009 at around 3,500

workers. In 2010, the outflow increased to 4,377. The net outflow of workers decreased in 2011 to

1,584. The number of jobs available in Tioga County has varied from 2007 to 2010. The rate of County

residents employed in Tioga County stayed around 53% from 2007 to 2009 and then decreased to 49.7%

in 2010. In 2011, 63.7%, or 8,490 of the 13,334 jobs in Tioga County were filled County residents.

Remaining jobs in Tioga County were filled by residents of Pennsylvania counties outside the Northern

Tier (4.4% from Lycoming County, 2.4% from Potter County) and New York (3.7% from Steuben County

and 1.2% from Chemung County). Approximately 6.9% of Tioga County jobs were filled by residents of

other Northern Tier counties in 2011. About 9.4% of workers living in Tioga County traveled to other

counties in the Northern Tier region for employment in 2011. Other Tioga County residents traveled to

New York (6.6% to Steuben County, 5.8% to Chemung County, and 1.4% to Broome County) and outside

the Northern Tier region (5% to Lycoming County, 1.9% to Potter County, and 1.8% to Lackawanna

County) to find work.


TABLE 29: WHERE TIOGA COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE EMPLOYED, 2011

Count Share

Tioga County, PA 8,490 56.9%


Steuben County, NY 982 6.6%

Chemung County, PA 860 5.8%

Lycoming County, PA 752 5.0%

Potter County, PA 278 1.9%

Lackawanna County, PA 262 1.8%



WYOMING COUNTY

In Wyoming County, the net outflow of workers in 2007 was relatively low at 757, but from 2008 to

2010, the outflow has been upward of 2,000 (outflow of 2,333 in 2008 and 2,560 in 2010). In 2011, the

net outflow of workers declined to just 649. The number of jobs available in Wyoming County was

highest in 2007 and declined going into 2008, but remained fairly steady through 2010. The rate of

County residents employed in Wyoming County stayed the same, around 53%, from 2007 to 2009 and

then decreased to 49.7% in 2010. In 2011, 37.5%, or 3,653 of the 9,742 jobs in the county were filled by

Wyoming County residents. Remaining jobs in Wyoming County were filled by residents of other

Northern Tier counties (22.9%) and workers from other Pennsylvania counties (14.4% from Luzerne

County and 11.1% from Lackawanna County). About 7.2% of workers living in Wyoming County traveled

to other counties in the Northern Tier region for employment in 2011. Other Wyoming County residents

traveled outside the Northern Tier region (24.1% to Lackawanna County, 21.8% to Luzerne County, and

2.6% to Monroe County) to find work.

TABLE 30: WHERE WYOMING COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE EMPLOYED, 2011

Count Share



Luzerne County, PA 2,268 21.8%

Susquehanna County, PA 300 2.9%

Monroe County, PA 267 2.6%


Wayne County, PA 227 2.2%

Other Counties 914 8.7%

TR AVEL TO WO RK

The average travel time to work for workers in the Northern Tier is similar to that of workers in the state

and the nation. Workers in Sullivan County, on average, have the longest commute to work, while

workers in Bradford and Tioga Counties have the shortest. Sullivan County workers experienced an

increase in average travel time to work between 2000 and 2010. Travel time to work in the rest of the

Northern Tier, the state, and the nation stayed about the same during the same period.


TABLE 31: AVERAGE TRAVEL TIME TO WORK, 2000-2010

Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming PA Continental US

Minutes (2000)

22.6 25.3 26.2 23.1 26.2 25.2 25.6

Minutes (2010)

22.7 27.9 26.8 22.6 24.5 25.5 25.2

LO CA TI O N QUO TI ENT

The location quotient (LQ) is a way of quantifying how concentrated a particular industry, occupation, or

demographic group is in one area compared to a larger region. In this analysis, the five-county Northern

Tier region is compared to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and reveals what makes the region

unique when compared to the state average. An LQ value of greater than one means a higher

concentration of jobs in the region than the state, and a value of less than one means that the state on

the whole has a higher concentration of jobs than the region. Industries with an LQ value greater than

one are typically exporting industries and are important because they bring money into the region.

In the column to the far right of Table 31, cells highlighted in yellow have an LQ of greater than one,

meaning that they are industry sectors in which the Northern Tier has a higher concentration of jobs

than the state as a whole. According to the chart, Northern Tier counties have a distinct regional

advantage in the mining industry, which is consistent with the development of businesses focusing on

the extraction of Marcellus Shale. The LQ for this industry is 8.1. The Northern Tier also has a regional

advantage in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry, with an LQ of 2.1. Manufacturing is

the third-strongest regional industry in terms of the LQ. The weakest industries in the region are

professional, scientific, and technical services; management of companies and enterprises; and

administration and support, waste management and remediation.

The Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector comprises establishments that extract

naturally occurring mineral solids, such as coal and ores; liquid minerals, such as crude petroleum; and

gases, such as natural gas. The term mining is used in the broad sense to include quarrying, well

operations, beneficiating (e.g., crushing, screening, washing, and flotation), and other preparations

customarily performed at the mine site, or as a part of mining activity. The Northern Tier has a regional

advantage in mining, but it does not employ many workers compared with other industries (about 518

total employees). The Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction sector composes 45% of the sales

volume in the mining industry but only 10% of mining workers. Mining of coal, metal ore, and

nonmetallic minerals composes 44% of sales in the mining industry and about 70.2% of workers. Besides

Marcellus Shale, Pennsylvania Bluestone is also mined in the Northern Tier. It is a unique sand stone

found only in the Northern Tier region. It is marketed as architectural grade, used for stairsteps, window

and door fixtures, and countertops; and as flagstone, used for walkways and patios. It is a popular

building material because it can be easily sized, and is strong and durable (Susquehanna County 2013).

Dairy farming and veal production are the predominant types of agriculture in the region. The Cattle

Ranching and Farming sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising cattle, milking dairy

cattle, or feeding cattle for fattening. These types of agriculture make up 88.4% of sales and 91% of the

Animal Production sector of the region. In the entire Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting industry


in the region, the Cattle Ranching and Dairy Farming sector make up 18.6% of the sales volume and

15.1% of the employment.

Timber is an important natural resource in the Northern Tier region. Logging activities comprise 9.7% of

the sales volume and 7.9% of the employees of the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting industry in

the region. Industries in the Forestry and Logging sector grow and harvest timber on a long production

cycle (i.e., of 10 years or more). Long production cycles use different production processes than short

production cycles, which require more horticultural interventions prior to harvest, resulting in processes

more similar to those found in the Crop Production subsector. Consequently, harvesting of timber with

short production cycles (e.g., Christmas tree production) are classified in the Crop Production sector.

Manufacturing employs a significant portion of workers in the Northern Tier region. Paper

Manufacturing is by far the largest sector of the manufacturing industry, bringing in 52.5% of the sales

volume and 31.7% of manufacturing employees. The Paper Manufacturing sector includes paper mill

activities and manufacturing of converted paper products such as boxes, bags, and stationery. The

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing sector is the second-largest sector in the manufacturing

industry and is responsible for 12.2% of the sales volume and 13.8% of manufacturing employees. This

sector includes manufacturing of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts, manufacturing of aerospace

parts and railroad rolling stock, and shipbuilding.


TABLE 32: NORTHERN TIER LOCATION QUOTIENT, 2012

Northern Tier Pennsylvania

Employment % of Total Employment % of Total LQ

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting

402 0.74% 19,081 0.36% 2.1

Mining 2,760 5.09% 33,560 0.63% 8.1

Utilities 360 0.66% 31,478 0.59% 1.1

Construction 2,483 4.58% 203,305 3.82% 1.2

Manufacturing 9,101 16.79% 565,577 10.63% 1.6

Wholesale Trade 1,979 3.65% 224,704 4.22% 0.9

Retail Trade 6,774 12.50% 638,179 12.00% 1.0

Transportation and Warehousing

2,698 4.98% 225,300 4.24% 1.2

Information 621 1.15% 96,241 1.81% 0.6

Finance and Insurance 1,386 2.56% 251,148 4.72% 0.5

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

858 1.58% 56,443 1.06% 1.5

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

1,308 2.41% 318,983 6.00% 0.4

Management of Companies and Enterprises

491 0.91% 133,051 2.50% 0.4

Administration & Support, Waste Management and Remediation

887 1.64% 278,280 5.23% 0.3

Educational Services 4,589 8.47% 493,714 9.28% 0.9

Health Care and Social Assistance

9,574 17.66% 933,940 17.56% 1.0

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

557 1.03% 80,100 1.51% 0.7

Accommodation and Food Services

3,661 6.75% 401,731 7.55% 0.9

Other Services (excluding Public Administration)

1,343 2.48% 178,614 3.36% 0.7

Public Administration 2,374 4.38% 155,951 2.93% 1.5

Indicates LQ >1


ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The following strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were identified by the participants of

the stakeholder interviews, business and industry surveys, municipal surveys, and focus group sessions.

STREN G THS

1. Natural Gas Industry

a. Availability and affordability of natural gas. The natural gas industry represents an

opportunity for the Northern Tier to access an affordable commodity for residential,

commercial, and industrial uses. Expanding the natural gas distribution system within the

Northern Tier should become a top priority for the region.

b. Increase in employment in directly related industries. The natural gas industry has resulted in

an increase in businesses providing support to the natural gas industry.

c. Residual employment increases in supporting industries.

d. Positive effect on healthcare industry.

2. Geographic Location

a. Proximity to large urban areas (i.e., New York, Lycoming, Philadelphia). The Northern Tier’s

proximity to the large metro areas adds to the quality of life for residents, while also providing

the speed to market for manufacturing and the agricultural industry.

b. Scenic recreation areas and the natural beauty of the Northern Tier have allowed the region

to capitalize on tourists and expand its tourism industry sector over the past decades. The

Northern Tier should develop a better brand to capture this image and expand its marketing

efforts to continue to grow this important industry. New development should be planned in a

way that does not detract from the beauty and serene environment that currently exists within

this region.

c. Low taxes and crime associated with rural areas. The lower cost of living and low levels of

crime contribute to the attractiveness factor of living and doing business in the Northern Tier.

Municipal officials should ensure that all new development (commercial and/or residential) is

developed in a manner that maintains the integrity of the region.

3. Existing Economic Base

a. Tourism associated with scenic areas and outdoor recreation. The Northern Tier has the

opportunity to sustain tourism throughout each season. With opportunities for boating, hiking,

skiing, fishing, hunting, and agro-tourism, visitors can be drawn to the Northern Tier throughout

the entire calendar year. Efforts should be made to market the wide array of activities that exist

for visitors of every age. The new addition of hotels will greatly support the tourism industry

into the future.

b. Farming contributes heavily to the Northern Tier’s economy. Every effort should be made to

sustain and grow this important industry sector through sustainable farming practices,

partnerships with the local restaurants and grocery stores, and developing agro-tourism

activities.


c. Boom in mining industry associated with Marcellus Shale. The natural gas industry has

created new economic opportunities for the Northern Tier region. The region should identify

ways to capitalize further on this industry through gas expansion to underserved markets, and

partnerships with industry and local government.

d. Good work ethic among employees. The Northern Tier’s workforce represents a great

strength in attracting and supporting business and industry. The Northern Tier should ensure

the workforce has the skills required to meet the changing needs of today’s industry.

4. Collaboration

a. Public transportation services provided to Wyoming County by the Luzerne County

Transportation Authority.

b. Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission (Commission) not only provides

resources for business development and economic development planning, but the Commission

also represents an opportunity for collaboration between the five counties. Working together

as a region will help position the Northern Tier for continued economic growth.

WEAKNESSES

1. Geographic Location

a. Rural location causes challenges for infrastructure such as broadband. Broadband

infrastructure allows a community to broaden its communication infrastructure, connect with

other regions, and expand educational opportunities. It also allows for greater productivity with

business and industry.

b. Nearby metropolitan areas are competitive because of job opportunities and amenities.

Cities within driving distance of the Northern Tier represent competition for business and

industry looking to locate into the greater region, as well as residents who may be relocating to

the northeast Pennsylvania region. These metro areas provide stronger employment centers,

and offer cultural and sports venues that are not offered in the Northern Tier. The Northern

Tier can counteract this competitiveness by promoting the lower cost of living, lower rates of

crime, and the pristine environment that is characteristic of many communities in the Northern

Tier.

2. Transportation

a. Lack of public transportation in most areas. Public transportation connects people with jobs,

healthcare, and other important amenities in our communities. Expanding public transportation

improves the quality of life for Northern Tier residents.

b. Many dirt roads exist and are difficult to maneuver and maintain. Many of the communities

within the Northern Tier still have roadways that have not been improved.

c. Distance to an interstate in many places is a hindrance to business development and travel.

The creation of new business and industrial parks is heavily dependent on the access to major

travel routes. The rugged terrain of the Northern Tier has made it very difficult to expand the

highway network; therefore, each community must make sure that property is utilized to the

fullest extent. Concentration on revitalizing downtowns, reuse of Brownfield sites, and


commercial corridors that already have access to transportation corridors should become a high

priority.

3. Infrastructure

a. Inadequate sewer and water infrastructure is a widespread problem. As with other

infrastructure, the dollars and sense of expanding water and sewer infrastructure has been a

challenge for the Northern Tier. Communities with smaller populations will continue to find it

difficult in generating the revenue required to pay for debt service and maintenance costs on

new systems. Grant funds will also be directed towards communities that are more densely

populated. Act 13 funds will allow communities to begin to expand infrastructure to improve

the quality of life for residents, and will help with attracting new business and industry.

b. Lack of developable land and pad-ready sites is a challenge for attracting new businesses. The

rugged terrain has created recreational activities that cannot be replicated in other regions. This

terrain has also made it extremely difficult to create new business sites. There are a number of

older downtowns, brownfield sites, and commercial areas that should be analyzed to determine

highest and best use scenarios that will help grow the local economy.

4. Other

a. Small rural population makes it difficult to obtain funding to solve infrastructure and

transportation issues.

b. “Brain drain” due to nearby metropolitan areas and few qualified applicants for high-skill,

high-paying jobs.

OPPO RTUNI TIES


a. Companies can take a key role in community development.

b. Develop partnerships with schools and training institutions to build awareness of the industry

and create tailored programs that will prepare students to work in the field.

c. Develop partnerships with other industries to find alternative uses for natural gas.

d. Senate Bill 738 (Natural Gas Consumer Access Act), an Act providing for distribution system

extension and expansion plans to increase natural gas usage in Pennsylvania, is awaiting

approval in the State Senate.

e. Senate Bill 739 (an Act amending the Alternative Energy Investment Act), which will allocate

grants to schools, hospitals, and small businesses to gain access to natural gas, is also awaiting

approval in the State Senate.

2. Transportation

a. Maintain gateways so travelers are aware of the region and its assets. U.S. Routes 15 and 81

are two prime examples of opportunities to promote the region and its assets. Gateway signs

should be developed that alert travelers of the many amenities that exist within the Northern

Tier.


b. Improve biking and hiking trails to promote recreation and alternative modes of

transportation. The Northern Tier should continue to expand recreational opportunities

through new biking and hiking trails that connect the Northern Tier to other regions to the

north, south, east, and west.

c. Continue to explore the expansion of public transportation services to connect residents with

employment centers, healthcare systems, and educational facilities throughout the Northern

Tier.

3. Collaboration

a. Increase communication to Northern Tier businesses to keep them informed about changes

occurring within the region (development, infrastructure improvements, etc.).

b. Unify Chambers of Commerce to fewer, larger organizations; this may be more useful for

combining resources and sharing knowledge than many small chambers. The chambers should

begin to collaborate to provide services to businesses located within the Northern Tier. This

could include joint seminars, networking, purchase of insurance, marketing, etc.

c. Include industry and local government in development goals.

4. Business Expansion and Workforce Development

a. Continue to expand the tourism industry through cultivating relationships between business

partners and the farming industry, expanding the hospitality industry to support the tourism

industry, and expanding and improving marketing efforts to promote the region to new visitors.

b. Promote entrepreneurship and niche businesses using county and regional resources. The

Northern Tier should identify opportunities to promote entrepreneurship though securing state

and federal monies to provide support and start-up funds.

c. Expand and improve water and sewer infrastructure to support new industry. The Northern

Tier communities should utilize Act 13 funds to expand water and sewer infrastructure. This

would improve quality of life for residents while creating opportunities for new business growth.

d. Develop new pad-ready sites to attract new businesses. As areas are improved with

infrastructure (transportation, broadband, water, and sewer), the Northern Tier should identify

areas for new business and industry growth.

e. Develop a peer-to-peer mentor system that pairs new businesses with successful ones for

advice on business practices and methods.

5. Other

a. Tailor promotional materials to the desired audience (i.e., promote the richness of regional

resources, natural beauty, and scenic areas for a resource or ecotourism perspective); abundant

water resources and affordable energy for business attraction; and small-town atmosphere and

friendly population for prospective residents.

b. Develop alternative entertainment venues and amenities to cater to younger demographic

and help fight brain drain.


THREATS


a. Employees are being pulled from other businesses. Wages and benefits paid by the natural

gas industry are substantially higher than what is currently being paid by other industries. This

has created opportunities for employees to pursue job opportunities within the natural gas

industry.

b. The cyclical nature of the industry will impact support businesses. Variations in the level

price, supply, and demand all play into the cyclical nature of the industry. As the drilling

activities decrease, the level of business for support industries will decrease as well.

c. Many of the jobs associated with the incoming industry are temporary and employees are

unsure of the tenure of their position.

d. Construction of drill sites, support structures, and extra housing necessary for workers can be

damaging to the natural beauty of the region. Counties, local governments, and planners should

develop sustainable plans with respect to housing and other projects (e.g. hotels, restaurants)

that have been provided in support of the natural gas industry.

e. Increased truck traffic contributes to air pollution and puts additional strain on existing roads.

The region has experienced an increase in truck traffic due to the gas industry (e.g.,

transportation of materials such as water, sand, pipe, etc.). This truck traffic has placed

additional strain on roadways throughout the region. Note: The gas industry has also improved

many of the roadways within the Northern Tier.

2. Population

a. Brain drain effect is potentially harmful to the sustainability of the region and the economy.

b. The difficulty of obtaining grant money due to the small population makes infrastructure

improvement difficult and hinders business expansion, attraction, and retention.

3. Transportation

a. Roads and bridges need to be monitored and improved or expanded to support new levels of

truck traffic. Act 13 provides funds to repair and improve the roads and bridges within the

Northern Tier. Communities should identify and prioritize the improvements to be made

through the use of Act 13 funding.

b. Limited access to interstates inhibits travel to higher education opportunities and potential

markets.

4. Infrastructure

a. The lack of broadband and cell phone coverage is unattractive to businesses and prospective

residents. With the growing use of laptops, cell phones, i-pads and other technology, the lack of

broadband will continue to be a hindrance for the Northern Tier communities.

b. Rough terrain and lack of developable sites creates challenges for attracting new businesses.

c. Rough terrain and floodplains limit the expansion of water and sewer infrastructure and also

population and tax base growth.


5. Other

a. An opposition to change by long-time residents creates challenges for the introduction of new

industry and overall development in the region. This statement came from stakeholder

interviews and focus group sessions. As in other communities across Pennsylvania and the U.S.,

residents are sometimes adverse to changes that may occur within their communities. In the

Northern Tier, many residents may be concerned that new growth and industrial development

could alter the pristine environment that attracted them to the Northern Tier in the first place.

Northern Tier communities should include residents in the planning process while updating their

comprehensive plans, developing new housing studies, or developing ideas for new business

growth. Understanding and addressing the resident’s concerns should always be a high priority

for county and local government officials.

NORTHE RN TIER CURREN T ECONO MIC DE VE LOPMEN T PRO G RAMS

NO RTH E RN TI E R REGI O NAL PLANNI N G & DEVE L O PMEN T CO M MI S S I O N (NTRPDC)

As the Pennsylvania Local Development District serving Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties direct services are provided to businesses in order to promote and facilitate expansion and development. Serving as an effective link between the public and private sectors and offering a variety of business support services that are aimed at creating employment opportunities and continued growth for the region are the overall objectives.

Services include:

Business Financing: Offer low-interest financing for new or expanding businesses in the area.

Information Technology: Provide website assistance and technical assistance to municipalities and small businesses.

Government Purchasing: Provide in-person counseling and technical assistance to small businesses seeking to sell products and services to federal, state, and/or local governments.

Export Assistance: Facilitate business expansion into international markets through counseling, research, and connection to a global network of overseas trade consultants.

Economic Development: Coordinate Keystone Opportunity Zone benefits to promote industrial development; connect businesses, municipalities, and non-profit entities with grant opportunities.

Transportation Planning: Provide information about traffic patterns, roadway conditions, and transportation development opportunities.

CareerLink: Provide area employers with labor market information, job fairs, and prospective employees; provide job seekers with job search assistance, resume writing, and applicable workshops.

Youth Programs: Provide local youth with employment and training programs.

Industry Partnerships: Coordinate industry-specific training for incumbent workers, including training in the health care industry.


EARN: Coordinate programs that assist eligible low-income, unemployed individuals in securing employment.

Adult/Dislocated Worker Assistance: Provide employment services to long-term unemployed, underemployed, or displaced workers.

Rapid Response: Provide information and assistance to employees affected by a layoff.

Skills Assessment: Administer workplace-defined skills assessment testing for job seekers.

NTRPDC serves as the staff to the Workforce Investment Board which oversees the Workforce Investment Act, the Department of Public Welfare, and PA CareerLink services in the region. Additionally, NTRPDC is the Economic Development Organization designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce/Economic Development Administration, and serves as the Rural Planning Organization for PennDOT.

NO RTH EAS TE RN PENNS Y LVA NI A IN DUS T RI A L RES O UR CE CEN TE R (NEPIRC)

NEPIRC is the Northern Tier’s regional Industrial Resource Center and Manufacturing Extension

Partnership (MEP) Program affiliate. As such, NEPIRC brings the business assessment and consultative

capabilities of seven (7) statewide Industrial Resource Center locations and over 1,600 manufacturing

specialists (through the U.S. Department Commerce National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)

MEP Program) to Northern Tier manufacturers.

NEPIRC’s mission is to create regional job growth and economic prosperity by working consultatively

with Northern Tier manufacturers to increase their profitability through the adoption of Next

Generation Manufacturing (or NGM) strategies. In pursuit of this mission, NEPIRC works exclusively with

manufacturers with 10 or more employees, with its typical client having at least 20 employees. NEPIRC

works with companies through the performance of no-cost of low-cost education and awareness

programs, the delivery of low-cost or no-cost business competitiveness assessments and the provision

of consultative services on a fee-for-use basis.

As the region’s only PREP partner focused exclusively on improving the competitiveness and long-term

viability of regional manufacturers, NEPIRC leverages Commonwealth of Pennsylvania support with

federal and private dollars.

NEPIRC is a licensed, certified and well-trained provider of several industry-recognized business

assessment products, including CoreValue® Assessments and Competitiveness Review® Assessments,

both of which are designed to provide emerging and mid-sized manufacturers with proven roadmaps for

growth and expansion. These assessments enable manufacturers to compare their current financial,

productivity, sales, operational and workforce development performance to those of industry-leading,

world-class companies and develop strategies to bridge any gaps between how they are currently

performing and the world-class standard. These assessments are provided free of charge to regional

manufacturers (CoreValue®) or at a very lost cost (Competitiveness Review®) due to NEPIRC’s status as a

Commonwealth-funded economic development organization.


THE UNI V ERS I TY O F SCR ANTO N AND W I LK ES UNI VERS I TY SMA LL BUS I NE S S DEVELO P M ENT

CENTE RS

The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers are a statewide network of 18 college and university based business assistance centers that have been providing business management training to Pennsylvania entrepreneurs since 1980.

The Wilkes and Scranton SBDCs provide services in three cores areas—Start-Up Services, Innovation and Growth Services, and Sustainability Services—to help entrepreneurs start successful new companies and facilitate their growth and prosperity.

The SBDCs provide no cost small business consulting services that are tailored to fit the needs of small business clients of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties. The centers offer confidential individualized assistance designed to identify and address the problems of small business owners as well as individuals interested in establishing a business.

The SBDC network has a proven suite of Start-Up Services that help people with great ideas and

inspiration start new ventures that survive, grow and prosper. The First Step Course, the online Starting

a Business Tutorial, Business Planning Services, Environmental Management: Regulatory Assistance

Services, Market Analysis and Research Services, and Capital Acquisition Services provide prospective

entrepreneurs with the resources to plan, fund and launch successful new ventures.

SBDC Innovation and Growth Services focus on helping companies to conduct Strategic Planning and

think long-term, to identify opportunities, and to provide the information to act boldly but wisely.

Specialized expertise in International Business and Government Procurement enable companies to

access new markets. With accreditation for its Technology Services, the SBDCs work with entrepreneurs

to develop new products. Capital Acquisition Services help clients obtain the funding necessary to fuel

the development of new products and company growth.

SBDC Sustainability Services help companies build business models that are efficient and profitable.

Consulting engagements begin with an in-depth analysis to identify a course of action to help the

company retain jobs and strengthen prospects for future growth. Environmental Management Services

assist companies in reducing energy costs and identifying opportunities for operational cost savings.

Financial Analysis Services help businesses manage costs, and Capital Acquisition Services identify

funding for reinvention strategies, and facility and operational upgrades. International Business Services

help companies to protect domestic markets from foreign competitors and source competitive raw

materials.

PRO G R ES S AUTHO RI T Y

The Progress Authority is a multi-municipal, general purpose Authority, Development Corporation and

Industrial Development Authority serving both Bradford and Susquehanna Counties. The CBPA model

has been a successful vehicle for leveraging funding, administering economic development programs

and initiatives, and serving business and community needs.

The Progress Authority’s outreach economic development is designed to work in concert with local

economic development organizations with no staffing or resources. The boards of these organizations,

however, provide valuable insight and support for economic development opportunities in their


communities. The Progress Authority meets regularly with these groups to receive community input on

priorities and direction. In addition to these local groups, countywide economic development advisory

boards are in place to help direct and prioritize economic development projects in both counties.

The Progress Authority focuses on activities that have the potential to lead to private investment, job

creation, and job retention in Bradford and Susquehanna Counties. It is responsible for seeking

investment in many forms, including infrastructure development, site preparation, workforce

development, and general business reinvestment. It is certified as an Area Loan Organization by the

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, as well as a certified IDA and IDC.

The Progress Authority provides Revolving Loan Funds for Small Businesses and is the Enterprise Zone

and LEDA grant administrator for Bradford and Susquehanna Counties.

SULLI VAN CO UN T Y OF FI CE O F PLAN NI N G AND C O MM UNI T Y DEVELO P M E NT

The Sullivan County Office of Planning and Community Development (SCOPCD) strives to encourage

responsible economic development to provide increased quality employment opportunities as well as

encourage existing business retention through financial and technical assistance. Sullivan County's

approach to economic development is somewhat non-traditional. We understand the scenic natural

environment attracting people to Sullivan County could easily be marred by development in the wrong

places. We strive to maintain these natural features and seek to maintain a balance between growth

and conservation.

Local tools available to encourage economic development may include grants to assist with

infrastructure improvements such as the extension of municipal water and sewer lines or road and

bridge repairs that may limit a business’s ability to grow. Technical assistance includes networking

developers with local, regional and state permitting agencies as well as with regional and state Economic

Development Agencies. We also assist with the development of necessary Commercial Land

Development Plans and approvals.

The focus of our County Economic Development effort is to assist new and expanding businesses that

have been created as a result of the exploration and production of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale region.

TI O G A CO UNT Y DEVELO P MEN T CO RPO RA TI O N (TCDC)

TCDC provides direct assistance to businesses in their efforts to retain and create jobs and increase the

tax base. Services include direct low interest loans to for-profit businesses and assistance with securing

other public funding for business development. TCDC also works to improve the economic vitality of the

county by providing leadership training through “Leadership Tioga County” to 34 high school juniors and

10 – 14 adults annually. It also provides public grants to public schools in the county through the

“Education Improvement Tax Credit Program” and coordinates and holds career development activities

for students.

Direct business assistance includes the Tioga County Loan Program which has operated direct loan

programs since 1998. TCDC is also a designated Area Loan Organization which allows access to

additional financing tools through the Commonwealth. TCDC also operates the LERTA program for tax

abatement for real estate development or major renovations. It has also administered the Enterprise

Zone program for the last six years. Through the “Buy Tioga County Program”, TCDC encourages

residents and businesses to purchase locally produced items to help stimulate the local economy. TCDC

is actively pursuing the development of the former E. H. Hall, Inc. /WESTAN Tannery into the Westfield


Business Park. This Brownfield site will be converted into a business park. The estimated cost is $9

Million. Efforts are underway to have the 17.6 acre site be designated as a KOZ Site. This is a long term

multi-year project.

WYO MI N G CO UNT Y CHA MBE R O F CO M ME R CE

The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary association of area businesses, industries,

and professionals. Membership is open to businesses and individuals who either reside or do business in

or near Wyoming County. This partnership of businesspersons will work toward the advancement and

development of the Wyoming County community. The mission of the Wyoming County Chamber of

Commerce is to promote business retention, business growth, education, and tourism programs that

enhance the business community resulting in the highest quality of life for present and future

generations of area residents. The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to providing

clear direction as well as specific tools for attracting and maintaining economic growth and high quality

of life for Wyoming County. This includes identifying ways to increase business and tourism, plan for

revitalization, historic preservation, and coordinate infrastructure improvements.

The objectives of the Chamber include the following:

o Coordinate the efforts of commerce, industry, and the professions to maintain and strengthen a sound and healthy business climate in Wyoming County.

o Sponsor programs and activities that will provide the full development and employment of our human and economic resources.

o Provide creative business leadership and effective coordination of all interested parties in solving community problems and in initiating constructive community action.

o Create a broad understanding and appreciation of the opportunities in Wyoming County and promote the advantages and assets of the community on a broader scale.

PENN STA TE UNI VE RS I T Y ’S PENNS Y LVANI A TE C HNI CAL AS S I S TAN C E PR O GR A M

The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) at Penn State engages, guides, and

empowers businesses and organizations throughout the Commonwealth and beyond by providing

objective and experience-based technical and workforce solutions that enable clients to succeed and

thrive, stimulating economic growth for Pennsylvania.

Through educational programming, PennTAP’s core services include information technology, emerging

energy, environmental, and food related businesses. It provides energy assessments, information

technology, and website assessments.

PennTAP is participating as a non-financial partner.


COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION

BUSIN ESS AND IND USTRY SURV EY

A survey of business owners and executives in the Northern Tier region was conducted. In all, 83

stakeholders participated in the survey and 75 completed the survey. Not all participants answered all

questions. Both closed- and open-ended questions were asked, allowing all facets of the business

climate in the region to be expressed. Survey responses help to determine the current strengths and

weaknesses of the regional economy and identify potential opportunities and threats that exist in the

region. Of the businesses that responded to the survey, 52.6% were located in Bradford County; 11.5%

in Sullivan County; 7.7% in Susquehanna County; 14.1% in Tioga County; and 14.1% in Wyoming County.

The table below summarizes the length of time surveyed businesses have been operating in Northern

Tier counties. Most businesses have been established for awhile, indicating a relatively stable economic

climate: 65.4% of businesses that responded to the survey have been open for over 21 years. The

businesses that have operated in the Northern Tier for five years or less chose the area because of the

presence of natural gas, a need for their services, or because of other community attachments.

TABLE 33: BUSINESS TENURE

Number of Years Open Percent of Responses

0-5 years 15.0% 6-10 years 7.5% 11-20 years 11.3% 21-50 years 28.8% Over 50 years 37.5%

Businesses surveyed represent a wide range of industry sectors. Sectors represented in the regional

economy, as indicated by surveyed stakeholders, include the following:

Agricultural, forestry, fishing

Alternative energy

Arts and culture

Business services

Communication

Construction

Distribution

Eating and drinking establishment

Education

Finance, insurance, real estate

Food processing

Health services

Lodging and hospitality

Manufacturing and light manufacturing

Printing, publishing, graphic arts


Retail and wholesale trade

State government

Transportation

Utilities

When asked about any changes in size or scope of operations in the last five years, 64.1% of

respondents reported that they were staying the same in terms of physical size. About 33.3% reported

growth in physical size, and 2.6% reported becoming smaller. In terms of employment, 58.4% reported

staying about the same. About 31.2% reported growth in employment, and 10.4% reported a decline in

employment. In sales, 58.1% of businesses reported growth. About 29.7% reported staying the same

over the last five years, and 12.2% reported a decrease in sales in the same period. When asked about

future plans, 60.8% of respondents planned to continue doing business at the same size and scale, and

34.2% had future plans to expand.

Based on the responses, most businesses in the Northern Tier employ relatively few workers: 32.5%

employ between two and ten full-time workers, and 16.3% only have one full-time employee. About

8.8% of businesses employ 11 to 20 employees, and 16.3% employ 21 to 50 workers. Approximately

16.4% of businesses have over 50 employees.

Respondents also indicated their gross revenues for the most recent complete fiscal year. About 37.7%

of businesses had gross revenues under $500,000, and 11.7% reported gross annual revenues of

$500,000 to $1 million. About 13% of respondents reported revenues of between $1 million and $5

million, and 11.7% reported gross revenues of $5 million to $10 million. Approximately 16.9% of

respondents indicated gross revenues of over $10 million, and 9.1% were unsure of their most recent

annual gross revenue.

Businesses were asked about changes in their operations due to natural gas drilling. Only 10.4% of

businesses are directly related to natural gas drilling. About 60.5% of all respondents reported an

increase in business activity due to drilling; 3.9% responded that business activity has decreased; and

35.5% reported no change in business activity.

When asked about changes in annual sales due to natural gas drilling, 47.3% of respondents reported

that sales have increased. About 9.5% reported that sales have increased but not due to drilling.

Meanwhile, 37.8% of businesses reported no change in sales. About 5.4% of businesses reported a

decrease in sales; half of these responded that the decline was due to natural gas drilling and half

reported that it was not.

In terms of changes in the number of employees due to drilling activities, 33.3% of respondents

reported that the number of employees at their business increased. About 36.4% reported that the

number of employees increased, but not due to drilling. Approximately 12.1% responded that the

number of employees decreased due to drilling activities, and 18.2% responded that they had a

decrease in number of employees, but not due to drilling.

When asked if drilling activities affected the ability to find and hire qualified employees, 72.2% of

respondents reported that these activities are now somewhat more difficult, and 19.4% responded that

it is much more difficult. While it may be more difficult to find qualified employees, it seems that drilling

has not affected turnover much. About 79.2% of respondents reported that drilling activities have had

no effect on job turnover, and 1.4% reported a decrease in job turnover. Still, 19.4% reported that job

turnover has increased due to drilling activities.


Next, business owners were asked about the general business climate in the Northern Tier region. The

most commonly chosen challenge facing business today was the economy, with 23.3% of respondents

citing that reason. About 12.3% chose cost containment for the biggest challenge facing their business.

Other challenges business owners chose as their most significant included the following:

Competition

Working capital

Cost of healthcare

Marketing

Workforce

Managing growth

Taxes

Environmental regulations

Roads

Sales

Secondary business challenges included the following:

People shopping online

State legislation

Managing growth

Inadequate infrastructure

Government control

Taxes

Location (37.1%) and cost of doing business (32.9%) were the most popular responses when

respondents were asked about advantages to doing business in the Northern Tier region. The presence

of natural gas drilling facilities (22.9%) was also cited as an important advantage of doing business in the

region. Other responses included the following:

Access to raw materials

Proximity to markets

Workforce/work ethic

Need for specialized services

Increase in disposable income

The most popular response when asked about disadvantages to doing business in the Northern Tier was

access to skilled labor (28.6%). Taxes were also a commonly selected disadvantage (15.9%). Other

responses included the following:

Natural gas drilling

Environmental regulations

Worker compensation rates

Distance from a large city

Transportation costs and highway access


Transportation issues are important to Northern Tier businesses because most businesses that import

materials are finding them outside the Northern Tier region. Of businesses that import raw materials,

57.1% are at least 100 miles away from their suppliers, and 84.6% are importing materials from outside

the region. Materials imported into the Northern Tier include corn soybean and cottonseed meal, steel,

aluminum, copper, livestock, chemicals, packaging, outside machined components, and others.

Participants were asked to rank the quality of different infrastructure components in and near their

place of business. The following table shows the distribution of satisfaction with public water, sewer,

road systems, airport facilities, freight rail service, telecommunications, public transportation, and

energy/utilities. Bold percentages show the most common response for each component. Most services

were commonly ranked as “adequate.” Freight rail service and public transportation were most

commonly ranked as not currently provided.

TABLE 34: NORTHERN TIER FACILITIES, RANKED BY LOCAL BUSINESSES

Excellent Adequate Poor No Service Currently

Provided

Public Water 21.9% 43.8% 4.1% 30.1% Sewer 20.5% 45.2% 6.8% 27.4% Road Systems 4.1% 74.0% 20.5% 1.4% Airport Facilities 2.9% 46.4% 15.9% 34.8% Freight Rail Service 0.0% 22.2% 11.1% 66.7% Telecommunications 8.5% 67.6% 22.5% 1.4% Public Transportation 2.9% 23.2% 34.8% 39.1% Energy/Utilities 11.3% 77.5% 11.3% 0.0%

Participants were also asked which areas of assistance were most needed to help their business grow

and succeed. The most popular response was availability of working capital (31.3%). Other areas of

assistance needed by Northern Tier businesses were noted as follows:

Communications infrastructure

Employee training, education, and recruitment

Employee retention

Networking groups/business clusters

Improved transportation infrastructure

Affordable housing

Information of available resources

Streamlined permitting process

Increased land availability

MUNI CI PAL SURVEY

A survey was conducted of local officials in the Northern Tier region. In all, 67 officials participated in the

survey and 56 completed the survey. Not all participants answered all questions. Again, both closed- and

open-ended questions were asked, allowing all opinions and responses to be considered. Survey

responses help to determine the current financial state of the regional economy and identify potential

opportunities and threats that exist in the region. Of the officials who responded to the survey, about


36% were located in Bradford County, 9.3% in Sullivan County, 21.3% in Susquehanna County, 22.7% in

Tioga County, and 10.7% in Wyoming County.

About 55% of respondents reported no change in the financial position of their municipality due to

Marcellus Shale drilling activities. Some areas do seem to have experienced positive effects: 28.3% of

respondents reported that income tax revenue has increased and 21.7% of respondents reported that

property tax values have increased. About 3.3% of respondents said that property tax values decreased,

and 1.7% said that income tax revenue decreased.

When asked if Marcellus Shale drilling activities have increased any construction in Northern Tier

municipalities, most (about 65%) of the participants responded that there had been no change. About

20% of respondents reported an increase in commercial construction, 15% reported an increase in

residential construction, and 16.7% reported an increase in hotel construction. Several respondents also

reported noticeable increases in traffic, truck activity, and road maintenance needs.

Marcellus Shale drilling activities have had a substantial effect on demand for road maintenance in

Northern Tier municipalities (98.1% of respondents identified this need). There is also an increased need

for water and sewer facilities (16.7%) and stormwater management (16.7%). Other needs created by

drilling activities include municipal permitting, administrative duties, and police, fire, and ambulance

service.

Most of the tax base in the Northern Tier region is residential (about 75.4%). About 14.8% is a mix of

residential and commercial, and about 9.8% is a diverse mix. Several respondents also reported a

significant amount of agricultural land within their municipality.

About 43.3% of municipalities would like to see a change in the composition of their tax base. Of these

respondents,

32.1% would like to see an increase in industry,

32.1% would like an increase in retail/commercial growth,

17.9% would like to see a residential growth, and

17.9% would like a more diverse composition.

The most important issue facing municipalities right now is securing funds for roads: about 68.5% of

respondents reported this as an issue. Approximately 40.7% of respondents noted natural gas drilling as

an important issue; 40.7% identified attracting new business and industry; and 29.6% identified securing

funds for water and sewer improvements. Other important issues noted by officials as important in their

municipalities were insufficient tax revenue, access to bus service, and affordable housing.

STAKEH OLDE R IN TE RV IEWS

Seven interviews were conducted with business and community leaders during February and March

2013. These interviews helped to get a more well-rounded idea of the regional economy and its

strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

ST REN GTHS

NATURAL BEAUTY

When asked what the Northern Tier is “best” at on a globally visible level, interviewees focused mainly

on the abundant natural resources and the beauty of the countryside. These features are largely what


make the Northern Tier region stand out from its competitors. Agricultural tourism is another

characteristic of the region that separates it from other communities.

BUSINESS

Interviewees generally feel that the Northern Tier is a good place to do business and there is a good

work ethic among employees in the region. The gas industry has been a major source of employment,

and the employed people have had more income to spend. Increased capital investment and spending

has been good for the regional economy. The gas industry has also had a positive effect on the

healthcare industry.

EDUCATION

The strength of elementary and secondary education is a regional strength, but interviewees were

divided on how well higher education institutions prepare students for available work.

COLLABORATION

There is some collaboration happening with neighboring counties outside of the NTRPDC. Lycoming

County’s public transportation system coordinates with BeST Transit. There is also collaboration with

Lycoming County on several issues such as management of the gas industry. Two participants

mentioned the NTRPDC’s work in bringing resources and capacity to rural communities, including

obtaining grants and working hard to sustain economic gains. Lastly, two participants spoke of the

resources provided to communities by the NTRPDC, including maintaining business databases and

setting up networks of related interests and holding roundtable discussions on key issues in the region.

WEAKNES S ES

POPULATION

The population of the Northern Tier is small, resulting in lower income from tax revenue for

municipalities. The small population also makes it difficult for the Northern Tier to obtain grant funding

for projects. Additionally, the region is experiencing “brain drain” as young adults leave the region for

bigger cities, so a large proportion of the Northern Tier’s population is older.

LOCATION

The rural location makes transportation an issue when businesses need easy access to highways and

airports. Telecommunications are also a problem at times due to the rural location.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Interview participants were largely concerned with the lack of infrastructure, lack of business parks and

developable land, and the difficulty of building and maintaining a strong economic base in the Northern

Tier. Significant competition in the labor pool with neighboring metropolitan areas creates a large

obstacle for the Northern Tier. The lack of infrastructure and available labor pool makes it difficult to

attract new businesses.

OPPO R TUNI TI ES

MARKETING

From a resource or ecotourism perspective, the Northern Tier can be branded as resource-rich with

land, lumber, natural gas, and water. Interviewees strongly support using the natural beauty of the

region for branding, and one participant offered the catchphrase “endless mountains, endless fun.”


From a business attraction perspective, the Northern Tier can use its abundant water resources and

affordable energy as a branding strategy. The strength of the healthcare system is also a positive aspect

for potential businesses. From the perspective of prospective residents, the Northern Tier can be

branded as a good place to raise a family with friendly people and a small town atmosphere.

COLLABORATION

The Northern Tier can promote its competitive strengths using regional organizations and getting the

word out using newspapers and the radio. Establishing partnerships in the communication field will be

useful in reaching different markets. In addition, businesses can collaborate with Chambers of

Commerce to create business attraction strategies. Small Chambers could be merged into one larger,

stronger organization. It will also be important for municipalities to develop partnerships with industry,

government, and planning organizations. Establishing a regional strategy and sharing a common vision

will help the Northern Tier create a comprehensive strategy for long-run economic development.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Expanding and maintaining water and sewer infrastructure are important for attractiveness and future

competitiveness of the region. It is also important to make these improvements without interfering with

the natural beauty of the region. Providing infrastructure so that natural gas is more readily available

locally, and developing a business park with pad-ready sites are high priorities.

TRANSPORTATION

Developing a transportation hub in the region, would help improve access for residents and is attractive

to businesses. Maintaining gateways on major roadways such as Routes 6 and 15 are helpful ways the

Northern Tier can promote itself to travelers. Improvements and additions to bike routes and trail

connections can improve quality of life for residents and provide recreation opportunities.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Northern Tier municipalities can provide educational programs, including business development and

finding market opportunities. One interviewee suggested setting up a program for peer-to-peer help so

that business owners can talk to associates who have had similar experiences. Encouraging business

startups and promoting small businesses will help them gain some recognition and advertise their

products and services.

ENTERTAINMENT

Interview participants made suggestions for investments to strengthen the appeal of the Northern Tier

region as a place to visit. The most common response was to add entertainment options such as

restaurants, retail, or things to do in general for young, unmarried people. This could be useful in

correcting the brain drain issue the region is experiencing. Other suggestions focused on outdoor

activity development, such as developing pedestrian and bike trails and building a ski slope. Improving

the quality of hotel rooms was another suggestion for strengthening the appeal of the Northern Tier.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The major role for higher education institutions will be partnering with employers for specific programs

to train the workforce for available jobs. Some companies already partner with Mansfield University for

industry-specific programs. The role of higher education institutions is also critical for the healthcare

system, which has many technical jobs that require training. In addition, the region is in need of more

CDL-licensed drivers, which may be an alternative for young workers who are not college-bound.


GAS INDUSTRY

Most interview participants are in favor of gas industry companies playing a key role in community

development in the Northern Tier region. The industry has already made investments in the region and

is providing infrastructure for available and affordable energy. Some suggested the gas industry should

want to be involved in community development to ensure opportunities for future generations and to

help create and maintain healthy communities. One interviewee stated that a better use of capital is to

attract supporting businesses and users of gas to the region.

THR EA TS

GAS INDUSTRY

Threats identified by interview participants largely involved the gas industry. In some places, employees

are being pulled away from businesses by the gas industry. Some businesses experienced an expansion

during the boom of the gas industry, but the cyclical nature of the industry is becoming more evident to

supporting businesses. Additionally, the drastic growth of the gas industry can interfere with the

environment and natural beauty of the region, which is a problem because it is one of the most unique

and marketable features of the Northern Tier. It has also had a negative effect on transportation in

terms of truck traffic.

BRAIN DRAIN

Other threats include “brain drain,” or the younger generation migrating out of the region. Neighboring

regions with larger population centers such as Lycoming, Philadelphia, and New York are more attractive

to young people who look for more amenities and entertainment in addition to job opportunities.

OPPOSITION TO CHANGE

A final threat includes an opposition to change by current residents that discourages new development.

This can cause a strain on the development of new industry and on the housing market.

FO CUS GRO UPS

Focus group sessions were held in each of the five counties in the Northern Tier region in March 2013.

Attendees included steering committee members, business leaders, and government officials. First,

participants contributed ideas about what the essential building blocks of a healthy economy are, and

which of those the Northern Tier has and which are missing. Another intention of the focus groups was

to draw out insights on what the Northern Tier has that is unique to the region and how to utilize these

unique aspects to promote economic development. A third topic for the focus groups was to help

determine what the Northern Tier lacks that may impede economic development, and what remedies

might start to eliminate these weaknesses. Participants were also asked about regional economic

competitors, and what advantages and disadvantages competitors had in comparison with the Northern

Tier. Finally, focus group participants brainstormed ways that the Northern Tier could market itself to

attract new business and industry.

BRAD FO R D CO UNT Y

Participants in Bradford County identified essential parts of a healthy economy:

Housing stock


Education

Low taxes/cost of living

Shopping amenities

Healthcare

Infrastructure

Gas distribution infrastructure

Public transportation

An economic development focus

Recreation amenities

Transportation

Developable land

Of these, this focus group determined that the Northern Tier has low taxes and cost of living, healthcare,

and an economic development focus. According to this group, education and transportation options are

available but limited, and developable land is difficult to find. Items this group felt are not adequately

addressed in the Northern Tier are housing stock, shopping amenities, public transportation, recreation,

infrastructure, and gas distribution infrastructure.

Economic strengths identified by the Bradford County focus group included agriculture, availability of

natural gas, presence of international companies, diverse manufacturing, and natural beauty.

Opportunities the Northern Tier can take advantage of include tourism, clean industry (e.g.,

pharmaceuticals), value added to the gas industry, and different types of agriculture. Participants also

discussed collaborative initiatives that could enhance economic gains in the Northern Tier.

Collaborations identified include building on regional cooperation, the NTRPDC, foundations and private

corporations, healthcare and insurance providers, encouraging entrepreneurship, and collaborating with

the area chambers. The Northern Tier region, according to Bradford County, has many opportunities to

take advantage of and traits to set it apart from its competitors.

Weaknesses in the Northern Tier identified by the Bradford County focus group include adequate

housing, education, shopping amenities, public transit, and water and sewer infrastructure. Participants

also suggested remedies to reduce or eliminate weaknesses. To address the housing issue, possible

solutions include tax credits, public housing construction, and housing assessments. Key solutions to

addressing weaknesses in education include coordinating business and industry job training with Penn

Tech, the expansion of Mansfield University, and the consolidation of schools. Concerning shopping

amenities, suggestions for improvement centered on making shopping areas more accessible and

appealing: improving shopping centers and transportation around them and improving central business

districts (CBDs). Suggestions for improving public transit and water/sewer infrastructure mainly included

obtaining funding to update them.

The Bradford County focus group also identified primary economic competitors of the Northern Tier as

New York and the Williamsport/Scranton area. Key advantages these areas seem to have over the

Northern Tier are infrastructure and their marketing efforts. Focus group participants also determined

that New York’s population and shopping amenities give it a distinct economic advantage over the

Northern Tier. However, New York has the disadvantages of high taxes, a high cost of living, and high

crime rates. The Northern Tier region does not have these issues.


Ideas of how to best market the Northern Tier to attract new business and industry include promoting

unique resources that are available in the region, such as the pristine environment, rich history, and

access to natural resources. Healthcare is another aspect that can be promoted to attract businesses.

The Bradford County focus group also decided that the region should have a collective goal in marketing.

This helps all marketing efforts feed off each other and relate to one another so that potential

businesses can see that the region is collaborative and cohesive. An example the region can build on is

the Wellsboro marketing campaign. The Wellsboro Chamber of Commerce heavily focuses on a couple

of key aspects of the region: business resources and vacation information. This way, the marketing

effort is streamlined and the area can show off its specific advantages in each aspect.

SULLI VAN CO UN T Y

Essential building blocks of a healthy economy that Sullivan County participants identified include the

following:

Education/job training

Skilled labor and blue collar labor

Infrastructure (roads, communication, water, sewer, natural gas, rail, and airports)

Housing

Recreation

Appropriate building ground

Each of these is also an opportunity in the Northern Tier that should be addressed. Adequate education

and job training are important so that skills of the labor force can match jobs available in the region.

Having a wide range of skills in the labor force can help attract different types of industry and diversify

the economy. Improving infrastructure is essential, because it is difficult to attract growth without

adequate water and sewer services. Provision of housing stock and recreation amenities is important for

attracting residents, and can be an issue for new businesses in deciding if the region is appropriate for

the employees they will bring in. Lastly, appropriate building ground is critical to attracting new industry

because construction of new facilities can be an essential factor in relocating businesses or opening a

new branch.

Weaknesses in the Northern Tier’s economy identified by the Sullivan County focus group are lack of

conventional economic development, limited tax base, terrain, lack of infrastructure, limited housing

stock, lack of a convention center and year-round tourism, and absentee landowners. Other

impediments to economic development include distance to market places, employment, higher

education, and interstates; lack of funding availability for transportation projects; lack of cell phone and

broadband coverage; limited rail access; inability to retain youth; terrain; infrastructure; and lack of

appropriate job training for regional jobs.

The Sullivan County focus group also identified primary economic competitors of the Northern Tier as

Lycoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Columbia Counties. Advantages these areas possess are malls,

transportation, infrastructure, entertainment, and population. Their disadvantages include bad air

quality, high taxes, and political power struggles. It was also noted that the items identified as

advantages could qualify as disadvantages for those who enjoy living in a small town.

Regional assets that were identified include high quality of life, strong religious foundation, quality of

education, sense of community, inter-county cooperation, good work ethic, scenic area, and friendly

news media. Environmental assets the region can take advantage of natural gas and hardwoods.


Collaborative initiatives that could enhance economic gains in the Northern Tier identified by this focus

group are with the health industry and with adjacent counties.

The Sullivan County focus group also discussed things that make the Northern Tier a great place to live

and do business: the beautiful scenery, availability of natural gas, low cost of living, low crime rate,

recreational amenities, and the advantage of smaller schools. In terms of a marketing strategy, the

group discussed promoting entrepreneurship, teamwork, and the talented and innovative workforce in

Sullivan County.

SUS Q UE HANNA CO UN TY

Building blocks of a healthy economy identified by the Susquehanna County focus group include the

following:

Jobs with good income levels

Strong industry

Housing

Schools

Arts

Shopping amenities

Healthcare

A skilled workforce

Infrastructure (rail/roads/water)

A good inventory of sites

Economic strengths of the Northern Tier identified by this group include the good work ethic in the

region, proximity to higher education, presence of natural resources such as natural gas, access to

healthcare, proximity to markets, small niche businesses, and the low cost of living. Other strengths that

make the region attractive are the strong sense of community, scenic beauty, and that it is a good place

to retire. Some traits noted by the Susquehanna County focus group as strengths were mentioned by

the Sullivan County focus group as weaknesses or opportunities, such as proximity to markets and

higher education.

Weaknesses in the Northern Tier identified by the Susquehanna County focus group are funding for

police protection because of the limited tax base, lack of shovel-ready sites, lack of developable land,

properties in the floodplain, sewer and water infrastructure, lack of public transportation, resistance to

change and rules by long-term residents, many dirt roads, vacant central business districts with no plans,

and no art or cultural amenities. Several remedies were suggested to deal with some of these issues. Act

13 funds could be used to address infrastructure deficiencies. A co-op with gas companies could also be

advantageous to the region.

Collaborative initiatives that could enhance economic gains in the Northern Tier were identified.

Possible collaborations could include better communication across county lines, and collaborations with

economic development and redevelopment authorities and the surrounding community. Collaborations

that address funding and marketing would also be helpful.

Traits that the Susquehanna County focus group decided would best describe the Northern Tier as a

great place to live and do business include natural resources such as gas, timber, and farming; the


natural beauty of the region; entrepreneurship in small niche technology businesses, and value added

by gas spinoff businesses. These characteristics may also help retain youth and prevent “brain drain.” To

market the region, this group suggested publicizing success, leveraging natural beauty, using Chambers

of Commerce, preparing promotional materials based on the targeted audience, and using the Internet

to reach more people.

TI O G A CO UNT Y

The characteristics of a healthy economy as identified by the Tioga County focus group are as follows:

People (population)

Workforce/good work ethic

Capital

Rail/air infrastructure

Water/sewer infrastructure

Transportation

Industry

Affordable housing

Education/job training

Healthcare

A pro-growth development mindset

Developable land

Low energy costs

Proactive planning

Recreation amenities

Environmental stewardship

Culture and entertainment

Of these, the focus group determined that the Northern Tier has rail and air infrastructure, industry,

healthcare, low energy costs, good work ethic, proactive planning, recreation amenities, environmental

stewardship, and culture. It was determined that transportation is adequate but not outstanding and

that currently, the available housing stock is affordable. Job training is available, and the group had

mixed opinions on the pro-growth development mindset. The Northern Tier is lacking population,

workforce, water and sewer infrastructure, developable land, and entertainment amenities.

Economic strengths the Northern Tier possesses include scenic landscapes; access to the northeastern

United States and a hub of population; natural resources such as coal, water, lumber and gas; access to

Route 15 and Interstate 99; the natural gas industry, and railroad infrastructure. Economic opportunities

the Northern Tier can build on include the following: transforming the energy sector into more jobs,

business parks, continuing good planning, farming and forestry activities, new housing, recreation areas,

tourism (although seasonal), meeting the needs of the aging population, diversifying industry, the Mill

Cove environmental education center, and Mansfield University. The Tioga County focus group also

identified impediments to economic development in the Northern Tier. These include distance to

resources and amenities, lack of population, lack of available sites for development, lack of funding, and

a general lack of amenities as a result of being “too rural.”


The major economic competitor of the Northern Tier was identified as New York. New York’s advantages

include availability of transportation, infrastructure, population, and workforce incentives.

Disadvantages of New York are high taxes and utilities. This focus group also discussed collaborative

initiatives that could enhance the Northern Tier. Possible initiatives include collaborations with Penn

College and Wellsboro School; consolidated schools to result in an elementary community center,

business community centers, local governments, and Act 13 funds.

Finally, ways in which to market the region were discussed. Possible regional branding campaigns could

include a “we got what you need” slogan in reference to available energy resources. Regional

cooperation can also be promoted. Other characteristics that can be marketed in the Northern Tier

include availability of dark fiber, pride in the region, outdoor activities in all seasons, and clean industry.

WYO MI N G CO UNT Y

The Wyoming County focus group also identified necessary parts of a healthy economy:

Employment opportunities

Affordable housing

Improved education/schools

Major transportation

Water and sewer infrastructure

Sustainable employment opportunities

Multiple (diverse) industries

A good marketing plan

Chambers of Commerce

Legislative support

Information technology/communication

Outdoor amenities such as vineyards

Economic strengths of the Northern Tier identified by the Wyoming County focus group include drilling,

innovative people, environment/geography, natural resources, a good place to raise a family, low crime

rate, government structure, strength and partnerships among economic development organizations,

and built-in worldwide events. The Northern Tier’s greatest economic development opportunities were

also discussed. These include entrepreneurship; collaboration between economic development

organizations, gas companies, and legislators; natural beauty; infrastructure; more construction for

home building; youth and economic development/workforce organizations; communication venues;

public relations on behalf of the gas industry; proactive recruiting; and niche businesses.

Economic weaknesses of the Northern Tier were identified. These include a lack of employment

opportunities; education that matches local businesses; roads; export of youth; transportation in

general; no public transportation; poor healthcare system; lack of industry diversity; lack of pad-ready

sites; “not in my backyard” attitudes on gas pipeline development; and a general lack of knowledge.

Other impediments to economic development in the Northern Tier are a lack of time for networking and

communication issues.

Participants also suggested remedies to some of these issues. Several suggestions were aimed toward

the mismatch between education and available jobs: meeting the needs of youth who are not college-


bound and providing appropriate training for skilled labor. Another suggestion included disseminating

information about professional service opportunities and hosting educational events. Other remedies

focused on the gas industry: providing education regarding supply chain services required by the gas

industry, and communication with the gas industry to develop partnerships.

The Wyoming County focus group identified primary economic competitors of the Northern Tier. Those

named included Lehigh Valley and nearby major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, and

Scranton. Major advantages of these places include sites that are available for development. Major

disadvantages include high crime and high taxes.

The Wyoming County focus group determined that collaborations with municipalities, Chambers of

Commerce, and gas companies could enhance economic gains in the Northern Tier. Marketing to

promote the Northern Tier as a great place to live and do business could focus on quality-of-life factors

and present the region as a great place to start and grow a small business. It was also noted that there is

a need to communicate the numbers that will be attractive to the intended audience. For example,

small business success rates should be emphasized when attracting new businesses, and recreation

opportunities should be stressed to potential residents.

CO MMO N TH REA DS

Across all five focus groups, trends emerged regarding what participants like about the Northern Tier

region and what they think should be improved. These trends are helpful in determining what aspects

can be promoted and marketed to attract businesses and residents. They are also useful in prioritizing

economic development projects.

The most commonly mentioned strengths and weaknesses of the Northern Tier region are described in

the table below. Most of the regional strengths are related to natural resources. This sets the region

apart from competitors, since most of the economic competitors of the Northern Tier are urbanized

areas. Weaknesses are largely related to infrastructure.

TABLE 35

Strengths Weaknesses

Availability of natural gas

Natural gas and scenic areas

Availability of natural resources (timber, agriculture)

Access to healthcare

Work ethic

Lack of public transportation

Inadequate water/sewer infrastructure

Transportation issues (many dirt roads, distance to interstates)

Terrain/lack of developable or pad-ready sites

The primary economic competitors of the Northern Tier are nearby cities, especially New York, Scranton,

and Lycoming. The biggest assets of these cities that were acknowledged by focus group participants are

population, infrastructure, transportation options, and shopping amenities. The most important

disadvantages are high taxes and high crime rates. Another economic competitor is the Poconos region

in Monroe County, but for different reasons than the previously mentioned cities. The Poconos region

serves a different market and competes with the Northern Tier in the tourism industry. Tourism in the

Northern Tier is seasonal, while the Poconos attract tourists year-round.


The biggest opportunities for and impediments to economic development in the Northern Tier

according to focus group participants are described in the table below. Opportunities mainly revolve

around entrepreneurship and developing industries. Impediments to development include the lack of

developable sites, the small population, distance to important resources, and lack of broadband

coverage.

TABLE 36

Opportunities Impediments

Expansion of tourism

New home construction

Communications with legislators regarding funding for infrastructure

Promotion of entrepreneurship and niche businesses

Expansion of Agriculture

Lack of developable sites for industry

Small population—difficult to obtain funding

Distance to major roads, markets, higher education

Lack of broadband and cell phone coverage

The biggest collaborative opportunity is improving regional communication. This was the only

collaborative initiative that was mentioned in all five focus groups. In some cases, this type of

collaboration was mentioned multiple times in the same session. Effectively communicating between

municipalities and across county lines will help coordinate development efforts and unify a marketing

campaign for the region. Other potentially beneficial collaborations for the Northern Tier could include

healthcare and insurance providers or Chambers of Commerce.

Focus group participants had many ideas on how the Northern Tier could proactively market itself to

attract new business and industry. Themes that emerged from this list are marketing the environment

and natural resources, and marketing the conduciveness of the region to entrepreneurship. The

presence and availability of natural gas is a distinguishing characteristic of the region, and the Northern

Tier is keen on promoting this aspect. The natural beauty of the region is unique and helps set it apart

from its urbanized neighbors. Marketing the Northern Tier as a great place for entrepreneurship helps to

attract new businesses, build the tax base, and retain young talent.


VISION (“WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE?”)

VISION STATEMEN T , GOALS , AND OBJECTI VE S

V I S I O N

The vision for the Northern Tier region was developed after much research, analysis, and discussion with

local stakeholders. Suggestions and ideas from public participation were integrated with regional data

and industry trends to shape the vision for the future of the Northern Tier. The region envisions a strong

partnership between the Northern Tier counties and the diversified industries, in order to support

thriving downtowns, shovel ready business sites, and commercial corridors, all while maintaining a

traditional, rural and high quality lifestyle.

GO ALS AND OB JE CTI V ES

The Northern Tier’s regional goals and objectives are designed to be flexible and to reflect new

directions and opportunities as they are identified. Regional goals are categorized under the following

categories: Economy, Housing, Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Tourism, and Workforce Development.

ECO NO M Y

Goal I: Manage economic growth, and retain industrial and business diversity in the five county

Northern Tier region through job retention and new job creation.

Objective A: Diversify, stabilize, and strengthen the Northern Tier’s economy through business

development, expansion, and retention activities.

Action Steps:

1) ASSIST THE REGION WITH BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. THIS SUPPORT WOULD INCLUDE

IDENTIFICATION OF NEW COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIAL PARKS, ASSISTING IN EXPANSION OF EXISTING COMMERCE

AND INDUSTRIAL PARKS, IDENTIFYING UNDERUTILIZED COMMERCIAL PARCELS, AND IDENTIFYING VACANT

STOREFRONTS FOR BUSINESS RECRUITMENT EFFORTS AND REUSE STRATEGIES.

a. DUE TO THE RUGGED TERRAIN OF THE NORTHERN TIER’S COUNTIES, EACH COMMUNITY MUST MAXIMIZE

LAND USE. CONTINUED ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO COMMUNITIES IN IDENTIFYING

UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTIES AND DEVELOP A PLAN FOR THEIR REUSE. BROWNFIELD SITES SHOULD BE

LISTED AS A HIGH PRIORITY. VACANT COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES AND STOREFRONTS SHOULD ALSO BE

TARGETED FOR REVITALIZATION.

2) ASSIST THE NORTHERN TIER’S COUNTIES WITH PLANNING AND FUNDING TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT PROPOSED

DEVELOPMENTS.

a. LOCAL COMMUNITIES SHOULD WORK WITH THEIR PLANNING COMMISSIONS TO DEVELOP REUSE PLANS

AND STRATEGIES FOR VACANT STOREFRONTS AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES, DETERIORATED PROPERTIES

AND BROWNFIELD SITES.

b. ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES AND COMMUNITIES TO

SECURE FUNDING TO EXPAND THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BASE OF THE NORTHERN TIER.

3) ASSIST WITH THE COORDINATION BETWEEN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, MUNICIPAL LEADERS,

AND COUNTY LEADERS.


a. MANY LOCAL COMMUNITIES MAY NOT UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF GROWING THEIR

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BASE; THEIR RESIDENTS MAY BE OPPOSED TO THESE TYPES OF EXPANSION

EFFORTS. LOCAL COMMUNITIES SHOULD MEET WITH THEIR RESIDENTS TO LISTEN TO THEIR CONCERNS

AND UNDERSTAND THEIR NEEDS. COMMUNICATIONS WITH RESIDENTS SHOULD INCLUDE AN

EXPLANATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT (E.G., CREATES

JOBS, ADDS TO TAX BASE, ALLOWS THE COMMUNITY TO PROVIDE BASIC SERVICES: SNOW REMOVAL,

ROAD MAINTENANCE, PARKS AND RECREATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENTS/MAINTENANCE).

RESIDENTS SHOULD BE INVOLVED DURING ALL PHASES OF PLANNING (COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING,

HOUSING STUDIES, BUSINESS, AND INDUSTRIAL PARKS).

4) WORK TO PROMOTE, DEVELOP, AND RETAIN AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURE-RELATED BUSINESSES WITHIN THE

NORTHERN TIER. IDENTIFY AREAS WHERE MARCELLUS SHALE NATURAL GAS CAN SUPPORT THE ENERGY

REQUIREMENTS OF AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURE-RELATED BUSINESSES.

a. IDENTIFY AREAS WHERE MARCELLUS SHALE NATURAL GAS CAN SUPPORT THE ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF

AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURE-RELATED BUSINESSES.

b. THE MARCELLUS SHALE NATURAL GAS DRILLING HAS PROVIDED AN ECONOMIC BOOST TO MANY FARMS

IN THE NORTHERN TIER. THROUGH THE ANNUAL ROYALTY PAYMENTS, MANY OF THE REGION’S FARMERS

ARE ABLE TO REINVEST INTO THEIR FARMS BY PURCHASING OR UPGRADING THEIR EQUIPMENT AND

FACILITIES.

c. CHANGES OCCURRING WITH THE DISTRIBUTION OF GAS IN THE NORTHERN TIER SHOULD BE TRACKED.

ASSISTING DAIRY FARMS IN OBTAINING ALTERNATIVE FUELS TO LOWER THEIR ENERGY COSTS WILL

GREATLY ENHANCE THEIR PROFITABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY.

d. DEVELOP CO-OP PROGRAMS FOR BIO-FUELS TO REDUCE WASTE WHILE CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY.

e. DEVELOP EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR LOCAL FARMERS REGARDING SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES.

i. GROUNDSWELLS CENTER FOR LOCAL FOOD AND FARMING IS AN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION LOCATED IN ITHACA, NEW YORK. GROUNDSWELL PROGRAMS

BUILD ON OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE LIVING AND SUSTAINABLE

AGRICULTURE AT ECOVILLAGE AND WEST HAVEN FARM. THEIR GOAL IS TO EDUCATE THE NEXT

GENERATION OF FARMERS IN SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES.

ii. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION (SARE). SARE INVESTS IN RESEARCH

AND EDUCATION TO ADVANCE INNOVATIONS THAT IMPROVE PROFITABILITY, STEWARDSHIP,

AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR AMERICA’S AGRICULTURE. NORTHEAST SARE SERVES

CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW

JERSEY, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND

WASHINGTON, D.C.

iii. PENN STATE COOPERATION EXTENSION SHOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EDUCATION AND

TRAINING TO IMPROVE AND STRENGTHEN THE FARMING PRACTICES IN THE NORTHERN TIER.

PROVIDES PRACTICAL EDUCATION YOU CAN TRUST.

5) IDENTIFY, DEVELOP, AND ENCOURAGE THE CREATION OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO ASSIST WITH THE

EXPANSION OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE NORTHERN TIER.


a. IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRIVATE INVESTMENT IS CRITICAL IN GROWING THE NORTHERN TIER’S

ECONOMY. ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO IDENTIFY PROPERTIES THAT

ARE UNDERUTILIZED AND TO DEVELOP HIGHEST AND BEST USE STRATEGIES TO ENABLE THESE PROPERTIES

TO BECOME FINANCIALLY VIABLE. PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT CAN BE USED TO LEVERAGE PUBLIC

FUNDING DOLLARS.

6) CONTINUE TO MARKET THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES.

a. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL BUSINESSES OPERATING WITHIN THE NORTHERN TIER ARE AWARE OF THE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THEM. ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES IN DEVELOPING A DATABASE OF ALL

BUSINESSES OPERATING WITHIN THE NORTHERN TIER.

7) IDENTIFY NEW INDUSTRIES THAT COULD CAPITALIZE ON THE MARCELLUS SHALE NATURAL GAS DRILLING

ACTIVITIES.

a. INDUSTRIAL DEMAND IS INCREASING IN THE PULP AND PAPER, METALS, CHEMICALS, PETROLEUM

REFINING, CLAY AND GLASS, PLASTIC, AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AS THE ECONOMY RECOVERS.

GAS USAGE IN THE POWER GENERATION SECTOR IS RISING SHARPLY AS HIGH COAL PRICES AND

ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS INCREASE AND AS COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS BECOMES ACCEPTED AS A

CHEAPER, CLEANER, MAINSTREAM ALTERNATIVE TO FOREIGN GASOLINE.

b. HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL HAS DISCOVERED A PROCESS TO PRODUCE ETHYLENE (PLASTIC) FROM DRY

GAS RATHER THAN PRICIER SOURCES SUCH AS ETHANE. SHOULD DRY GAS BECOME A PLASTIC FEEDSTOCK,

ITS VALUE WOULD INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY AND WOULD FURTHER SOLIDIFY PENNSYLVANIA AS ONE OF

THE MOST VALUABLE PLACES IN THE COUNTRY IN REGARDS TO SOURCING THE ENERGY AND RAW

MATERIALS WE NEED TO SUSTAIN OUR SOCIETY.

c. NATURAL GAS IS ALREADY REPLACING COAL FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND IS BEING COMPRESSED OR

LIQUEFIED TO FUEL MOTOR VEHICLES. GAS IS ALSO BECOMING THE FUEL OF CHOICE FOR

MANUFACTURING AND HOME HEATING.

8) EXPAND HEALTHCARE FACILITIES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE NORTHERN TIER’S LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

a. ADEQUATE HEALTHCARE IS A CRITICAL SERVICE THAT SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO ALL SECTORS OF THE

POPULATION. GUTHRIE HEALTH CONDUCTED A HEALTHCARE ASSESSMENT TO UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS

OF THE NORTHERN TIER’S COMMUNITIES AND HOW THESE NEEDS WILL BE ADDRESSED BY A HEALTHCARE

SYSTEM. THE GOALS OF THIS ASSESSMENT INCLUDED IMPLEMENTING A SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM,

IMPROVING PRIMARY CARE ACCESS AND DEVELOPING TOOLS TO AID THE COMMUNITY WITH REDUCING

THE PREVALENCE OF OBESITY. THE COMMUNITIES SHOULD WORK WITH GUTHRIE HEALTH TO

IMPLEMENT THESE GOALS.

9) WORK TO REVITALIZE AND STRENGTHEN THE NORTHERN TIER’S COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS AND DOWNTOWN

AREAS.

a. DEVELOP SPECIFIC MARKET ASSESSMENTS TO DETERMINE BUSINESS CLUSTERS THAT ARE LACKING IN THE

NORTHERN TIER’S DOWNTOWNS AND COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS.

b. DEVELOP BUSINESS RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES BASED ON THE MARKET ASSESSMENTS.

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c. WORK WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO ACTIVELY MARKET THEIR COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS TO POTENTIAL

NEW BUSINESSES.

10) ASSIST THE LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY WITH MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS.

a. ADVERTISING AND MARKETING IS AN EXPENSIVE ENDEAVOR FOR BUSINESSES. CONTINUE TO DEVELOP

MARKETING BROCHURES FOR THE NORTHERN TIER THAT PROMOTE EACH SECTOR OF THE BUSINESS

COMMUNITY (E.G., HOTELS, RETAIL, RESTAURANTS, ETC.); CONTINUE TO IDENTIFY WAYS TO ADVERTISE

AND DISTRIBUTE THE BROCHURES TO ATTRACT LOCAL RESIDENTS, TOURISTS, AND VISITORS TO THE

NORTHERN TIER BUSINESSES.

b. DEVELOP COOPERATIVE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS TO ALLOW SMALL BUSINESSES TO BE ABLE TO MARKET

THEMSELVES TO A LARGER AUDIENCE.

c. WORK TO FACILITATE ADDITIONAL CONFERENCES AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS TARGETED AT ATTRACTING

VISITORS AND TOURISTS.

d. DEVELOP A PROGRAM TO EDUCATE LOCAL BUSINESSES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMOTING AND

MARKETING THEIR BUSINESS TO POTENTIAL NEW CUSTOMERS.

HO US I NG

Goal II: Encourage development of housing for various needs and incomes.

Objective A: Evaluate and assist with senior and assisted living facilities in the region.

Action Steps:

1) IDENTIFY AND WORK WITH PROVIDERS OF ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES TO DEVELOP HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY

WHO WISH TO STAY IN THE NORTHERN TIER BUT NO LONGER DESIRE AND/OR CANNOT RESIDE IN THEIR CURRENT

HOME.

a. A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION RESIDING WITHIN THE NORTHERN TIER COMMUNITIES

CONSISTS OF SENIOR CITIZENS. ALTHOUGH A CERTAIN NUMBER OF SENIOR CITIZENS WILL BE ABLE TO

AGE IN PLACE, THERE WILL BE OTHERS WHO MAY REQUIRE INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL CARE TO MAINTAIN AN

ADEQUATE QUALITY OF LIFE. ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES ARE A GOOD OPTION FOR RESIDENTS WHO MAY

NEED ASSISTANCE WITH MEDICATION, FOOD PREPARATION, OR AT TIMES REQUIRE INTERMITTENT SKILLED

NURSING CARE. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES IN THE NORTHERN

TIER, ADDITIONAL FACILITIES WILL BE REQUIRED TO ACCOMMODATE THIS GROWING POPULATION.

LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND PROVIDERS OF ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES SHOULD CONTINUE TO IDENTIFY

APPROPRIATE SITES FOR NEW PERSONAL CARE HOMES.

2) WORK WITH THE NORTHERN TIER’S MUNICIPALITIES TO IDENTIFY AREAS FOR SENIOR HOUSING THAT ARE CLOSE TO

PUBLIC AMENITIES AND SERVICES.

a. ANOTHER SECTOR OF THE NORTHERN TIER’S AGING POPULATION WILL NO LONGER WISH TO RESIDE IN

THEIR HOMES BUT DO NOT WISH TO LIVE IN AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY. AGE-RESTRICTED HOUSING

SITES ARE GOOD OPTIONS FOR THIS SECTOR OF THE POPULATION. THE HOUSING SHOULD BE LOCATED IN

PROXIMITY TO SERVICES AND AMENITIES. ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES

AND PRIVATE DEVELOPERS TO IDENTIFY SITES FOR THIS TYPE OF HOUSING OPTION.


Objective B: Assist communities to develop market rate housing.

Action Steps:

1) WORK WITH THE NORTHERN TIER’S COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO IDENTIFY AREAS FOR MARKET RATE

HOUSING.

a. ANOTHER UNMET NEED IN THE NORTHERN TIER IS THE AVAILABILITY OF MARKET RATE HOUSING.

CURRENT RESIDENTS DESIRING TO CONTINUE TO RESIDE WITHIN THE NORTHERN TIER ARE HARD-PRESSED

IN FINDING SUITABLE HOUSING. MUCH OF THE NORTHERN TIER’S HOUSING STOCK PREDATES THE

1940S. ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO LOCAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPERS TO IDENTIFY SITES

CONDUCIVE FOR MARKET RATE HOUSING. A RESIDENTIAL MARKET ANALYSIS MAY BE NECESSARY TO

UNDERSTAND PRICE POINTS, MIX OF HOUSING (OWNER-OCCUPIED VS. RENTAL), AND OTHER AMENITIES

DESIRED BY CURRENT RESIDENTS AND/OR BY THOSE CURRENTLY WORKING IN THE NORTHERN TIER BUT

RESIDING ELSEWHERE. ANOTHER SECTOR OF THIS RESIDENTIAL MARKET COULD INCLUDE THOSE

EMPLOYED IN THE NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY.

2) IDENTIFY INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED TO SUPPORT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.

a. IT IS LIKELY THAT MOST OF THE PROPERTIES IDENTIFIED FOR NEW HOUSING LACK THE NECESSARY

INFRASTRUCTURE. ONCE SITES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED, ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPERS TO SECURE FUNDING FOR WATER, SEWER, AND

NATURAL GAS INFRASTRUCTURE.

3) WORK WITH NORTHERN TIER’S MUNICIPALITIES TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES SUCH AS LERTA AND/OR TAX

INCREMENT FINANCING TO ATTRACT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

a. LOCAL ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION TAX ASSISTANCE (LERTA) AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)

ARE TWO FINANCIAL TOOLS THAT CAN BE USED TO SUPPORT THE COSTS OF INFRASTRUCTURE NECESSARY

FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT. THESE FINANCIAL TOOLS CAN BE IMPLEMENTED BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND

LOCAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPERS, AS NEEDED.

4) DEVELOP TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTS, NONPROFITS, LOCAL PLANNERS, AND

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

5) UNDERTAKE HOUSING STUDIES TO DETERMINE THE DEPTH OF THE MARKET FOR NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.

Objective C: Assist communities to develop and sustain affordable housing for the Northern Tier’s

workforce.

Action Steps:

1) ENCOURAGE THE USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) DOLLARS TO INITIATE AND SUPPORT

HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAMS WITHIN THE NORTHERN TIER’S COMMUNITIES.

a. AS STATED PREVIOUSLY, MUCH OF THE HOUSING STOCK WAS CONSTRUCTED PRIOR TO 1940. FOR THOSE

UNITS THAT ARE STRUCTURALLY SOUND, ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE COUNTIES TO BEGIN A

HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM SHOULD BE TARGETED TOWARDS THE VERY LOW

INCOME FIRST AND SHOULD PROVIDE GRANT FUNDS IN ORDER TO REPAIR AND REHABILITATE THE OLDER

HOUSING STOCK.


b. HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAMS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

i. GENERAL PROGRAMS AIMED AT REHABILITATION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES, INCLUDING

SUBSTANTIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS, WHICH TYPICALLY BRING THE PROPERTY UP TO

LOCAL CODES AND STANDARDS.

ii. SPECIAL PURPOSE PROGRAMS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS (E.G., INSULATION, WINDOWS, DOORS, WEATHER

STRIPPING, ETC.)

2. HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAMS (RAMPS, GRAB BARS, ETC.)

3. EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAMS (LEAKING ROOF, ETC.)

2) ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT THE APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSING AND FINANCE

AUTHORITY FOR SENIOR AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

a. AS STATED PREVIOUSLY, THE NORTHERN TIER SHOULD PROVIDE A MIXTURE OF SENIOR HOUSING,

AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND MARKET RATE HOUSING FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS. SENIOR

HOUSING AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING MAY REQUIRE SUBSIDIES IN ORDER TO PROVIDE UNITS THAT ARE

AFFORDABLE FOR CERTAIN SECTORS OF THE POPULATION. ASSISTANCE MAY BE NEEDED BY

COMMUNITIES TO SECURE FUNDING FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY FOR

BOTH SENIOR AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

INF RAS TR U CTU R E

Goal III: Assist with identifying public funding options for infrastructure projects needed to improve

the quality of life while incentivizing economic growth within the Northern Tier’s communities.

Objective A: Assist the Northern Tier’s communities with construction of basic infrastructure needs.

Action Steps:

1) ASSIST THE NORTHERN TIER’S COMMUNITIES WITH IDENTIFYING AND SECURING PUBLIC FUNDS AND FINANCING

OPTIONS (E.G., LOW INTEREST LOANS) TO UPGRADE OR CONSTRUCT INFRASTRUCTURE, SUCH AS SANITARY SEWER,

STORM WATER, ACCESS ROADS, AND TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS. EXAMPLES OF FINANCING INCLUDE:

a. THE PENNSYLVANIA INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AUTHORITY (PENNVEST) CLEAN WATER STATE

REVOLVING FUND (CWSRF) PROGRAM “PROVIDES FUNDING TO PROJECTS THROUGHOUT

PENNSYLVANIA FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES,

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECTS, NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION CONTROLS, AND WATERSHED

AND ESTUARY MANAGEMENT. THIS PROGRAM OFFERS LOW INTEREST LOANS WITH FLEXIBLE TERMS BOTH

TO ASSIST A VARIETY OF BORROWERS THAT INCLUDE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, MUNICIPALITIES, AND

PRIVATELY-OWNED ENTITIES AND TO ESTABLISH PARTNERSHIPS THAT LEVERAGE OTHER FUNDING

SOURCES” (PENNVEST 2013).

b. ACT 13 OF 2012 ESTABLISHES THE MARCELLUS LEGACY FUND AND ALLOCATES FUNDS TO THE

COMMONWEALTH FINANCING AUTHORITY FOR ABANDONED MINE DRAINAGE, ABATEMENT, AND

TREATMENT WITH THE ABANDONED MINE DRAINAGE ABATEMENT AND TREATMENT PROGRAM

(AMDATP). ABANDONED MINE DRAINAGE (AMD) IS ONE OF THE LARGEST SOURCES OF STREAM

IMPAIRMENT IN PENNSYLVANIA.


c. THE H2O PA ACT “WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JULY 2008. THE ACT PROVIDES

SINGLE-YEAR OR MULTI-YEAR GRANTS TO MUNICIPALITIES OR MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES TO ASSIST WITH

THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRINKING WATER, SANITARY SEWER, AND STORM SEWER PROJECTS”

(COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA 2013).

d. THE PENNSYLVANIA INFRASTRUCTURE BANK (PIB) PROVIDES LOW-INTEREST LOANS FOR THE DESIGN,

ENGINEERING, RIGHT-OF-WAY AND REPAIR, RECONSTRUCTION, AND CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC

HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AIRPORTS, RAILROADS, AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

SYSTEMS. ELIGIBLE USES INCLUDE ROADWAY AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR, TRAFFIC SIGNALS,

ROADWAY DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, AIRPORT RUNWAYS, HANGARS AND EQUIPMENT, RAILROAD

TRACKS, EQUIPMENT AND SIGNALS, AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL FACILITIES AND PURCHASES.

e. PENNWORKS IS A PROGRAM TO ENSURE SAFE WATER SUPPLY AND PROPER WASTEWATER

INFRASTRUCTURE. ELIGIBLE USES INCLUDE WATER AND SEWER PROJECTS NOT USED SOLELY FOR

RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES, LAND AND BUILDING ACQUISITION, DEMOLITION, WATER/SEWER PROJECT

CONSTRUCTION COSTS, ENGINEERING, AND OTHER FEES ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT.

2) IDENTIFY WAYS TO PROVIDE NATURAL GAS TO THE NORTHERN TIER COMMUNITIES IN A COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER.

IDENTIFY AND SECURE GRANT FUNDING FOR PROVIDING NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION LINES. DEVELOP THE

NECESSARY PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN THE ENERGY COMPANIES AND THE NTRPDC.

a. THE NATURAL GAS CONSUMER ACCESS ACT (SENATE BILL 738) PROVIDES FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

EXTENSION AND EXPANSION PLANS TO INCREASE NATURAL GAS USAGE IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

INTRODUCED BY SENATOR YAW, THE BILL WOULD REQUIRE NATURAL GAS UTILITIES OPERATING IN THE

STATE TO SUBMIT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION (PUC) A THREE-YEAR EXTENSION

AND EXPANSION PLAN THAT WOULD BE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE PUC. THE BILL ALSO WOULD

CREATE A SYSTEM FOR EXPEDITED EXTENSION OR EXPANSION PROJECTS IF AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

AGENCY OR IF A LARGE NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL OR BUSINESS ENTITIES SEEK TO OBTAIN NATURAL GAS

SERVICE. THE POTENTIAL NATURAL GAS CUSTOMERS COULD SPREAD PROJECT COSTS OUT OVER A 10-

YEAR PERIOD. SENATE BILL 739 WOULD GIVE MONEY FROM EXISTING, UNDERUTILIZED PROGRAMS TO

SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, AND SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE FORM OF GRANTS TO HELP THEM GAIN ACCESS TO

NATURAL GAS SERVICES.

3) ASSIST THE NORTHERN TIER’S COMMUNITIES WITH IDENTIFYING AND SECURING STATE OR FEDERAL FUNDING TO

EXPAND BROADBAND SERVICE IN AREAS WITHOUT SERVICE.

a. THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) COMMUNITY CONNECT PROGRAM

PROVIDES GRANT FUNDING TO UNDERSERVED AREAS ON A COMMUNITY-ORIENTED CONNECTIVITY BASIS

WITH BROADBAND SERVICE THAT FOSTERS ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DELIVERS ENHANCED EDUCATIONAL,

HEALTHCARE, AND PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES. PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO RURAL AREAS THAT HAVE THE

GREATEST NEED FOR BROADBAND SERVICES. GRANTS REQUIRE A 15% MATCH.

4) WORK WITH THE BEST TRANSIT TO EXPAND TRANSIT SERVICE TO CONNECT THE COMMUNITY TO EMPLOYMENT

CENTERS AND HEALTHCARE FACILITIES.

5) IDENTIFY SITES FOR RAIL SIDINGS; IDENTIFY AND SECURE FUNDING FOR RAIL IMPROVEMENTS.

a. THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION (FRA) PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

FOR RAIL IMPROVEMENTS:


i. THE RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING (RRIF) PROGRAM PROVIDES

DIRECT FEDERAL LOANS AND LOAN GUARANTEES TO FINANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF RAILROAD

INFRASTRUCTURE. THE FRA WILL GIVE PRIORITY TO PROJECTS THAT PROVIDE PUBLIC BENEFITS,

INCLUDING BENEFITS TO PUBLIC SAFETY, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS INCLUDE ACQUISITION, IMPROVING, AND REHABILITATING INTERMODAL

EQUIPMENT, RAIL EQUIPMENT, OR FACILITIES, INCLUDING TRACK, TRACK COMPONENTS,

BRIDGES, YARDS, BUILDING, AND SHOPS.

ii. THE TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT GENERATING ECONOMIC RECOVERY (TIGER)

DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM IS A FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)

PROGRAM INVESTING IN CRITICAL ROAD, RAIL, TRANSIT, AND PORT PROJECTS ACROSS THE

UNITED STATES.

6) IDENTIFY AND SECURE FUNDING TO IMPROVE BIKING AND HIKING TRAILS TO PROMOTE RECREATION AND

ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION. SOME EXAMPLES INCLUDE:

a. ACT 13 ESTABLISHED A FUND ALLOCATED TO THE GREENWAYS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION PROGRAM

(GTRP) FOR THE PLANNING, ACQUISITION OF, AND REHABILITATION OF GREENWAYS, RECREATIONAL

TRAILS, AND PARKS AND BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS.

b. THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES (DCNR) OPERATES

THE COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (C2P2) WHICH PROVIDES FUNDING

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION AND TRAIL DEVELOPMENT. FUNDS CAN BE USED FOR WALKING AND

BIKING TRAILS AS WELL AS SNOWMOBILES AND ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES AND RAILS-TO-TRAILS PROJECTS, AS

WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT AND REHABILITATION OF RECREATION AND GREENWAY AREAS.

NATU RA L RES O U R CES

Goal IV: Advocate and assist in the evaluation, creation, and implementation of responsible natural

resource development.

Objective A: Evaluate and promote value-added energy and natural resource business opportunities

throughout the Northern Tier.

Action Steps:

1. EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING COGENERATION PLANTS WHICH USE WOODY MASS AND THEN CONVERT

THIS WASTE TO ENERGY.

a. THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) RECOGNIZES THAT ONE COST-EFFECTIVE

APPROACH TO SOURCING BIOMASS FOR A COMBINED HEAT AND POWER (CHP) SYSTEM IS TO USE

OPPORTUNITY FUELS (I.E., INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES THAT ARE AVAILABLE AT OR CLOSE TO THE CHP SITE).

THESE MATERIALS MAY INCLUDE WOOD AND WOOD WASTES. EFFICIENCY IS OPTIMIZED WHEN

COGENERATION FACILITIES ARE LOCATED NEAR INPUT SOURCES.

b. THE EPA PROVIDES INFORMATION ON COGENERATION WITH WOODY MASS INPUTS, TRANSPORTATION

COSTS, AND KEY CONCEPTS FOR EFFICIENCY, AS WELL AS INCENTIVES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR

COGENERATION PROJECTS, AT HTTP://WWW.EPA.GOV/CHP/INDEX.HTML.

http://www.epa.gov/chp/index.html


2. WORK WITH THE PENN STATE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AND THE USDA TO UNDERSTAND FUTURE NATURAL

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND TO PROMOTE VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS FROM AGRICULTURE, TIMBER, AND

MARCELLUS SHALE NATURAL GAS.

a. THE USDA OFFERS VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS (VAPG) WITH THE GOALS OF GENERATING NEW

PRODUCTS, CREATING AND EXPANDING MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES, AND INCREASING PRODUCER

INCOME. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE VAPG PROGRAM IS TO HELP AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS

ENTER INTO VALUE-ADDED ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE PROCESSING AND/OR MARKETING OF BIO-BASED

VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS.

b. POTENTIAL USES THAT REQUIRE FURTHER RESEARCH ARE USING NATURAL GAS IN PLASTICS

MANUFACTURING; AND USING TIMBER IN MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS, SUCH AS LUMBER, FURNITURE,

PANELING, ETC. THE REGION SHOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH PENN STATE TO MANAGE RESEARCH EFFORTS

IN THESE AREAS.

3. CONTINUE TO IDENTIFY AND SECURE FUNDING TO CONSTRUCT COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUELING

FACILITIES IN STRATEGIC LOCATIONS WITHIN THE NORTHERN TIER TO SPREAD THE USE OF NATURAL GAS VEHICLES.

IDENTIFY AND SECURE FUNDING TO CONVERT THE FLEETS OF THE REGION’S SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS FROM GAS TO CNG.

4. CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE AGRICULTURAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND NATURAL RESOURCES SECTORS TO HELP

PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE LAND USE. THIS INCLUDES RECOGNIZING AND PROMOTING THE NORTHERN TIER’S STRONG

AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE, WHILE ALSO PURSUING LAND PRESERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT. ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE ENDLESS MOUNTAINS HERITAGE

REGION, THE ENDLESS MOUNTAINS VISITORS BUREAU, COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICTS, THE TIOGA COUNTY

VISITORS BUREAU, THE NORTHERN TIER BUY FRESH, BUY LOCAL PROGRAM, AND MANY OTHER AGRICULTURAL

AND NATURAL RESOURCE-RELATED AGENCIES AND GROUPS.

TO U RI S M

Goal V: Strengthen, promote, and encourage communities to expand and promote tourism to assist

in growing the local economies.

Objective A: Continue to cultivate relationships with state and local governments to enhance, promote,

and create new recreational opportunities.

Action Steps:

1. CONTINUE TO DEVELOP PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO PROMOTE THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN THE

NORTHERN TIER. THESE PARTNERSHIPS WOULD SUSTAIN AND IMPROVE THE REGION’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY.

2. WORK TOGETHER TO DEVELOP AN ENHANCED BRAND OF THE NORTHERN TIER. CREATE AN IMAGE THAT REFLECTS

THE STRENGTHS OF THIS REGION AS A WHOLE.

3. CONTINUE TO WORK WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS, CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, AND LOCAL

HERITAGE REGIONS AND VISITORS BUREAUS (INCLUDING THE ENDLESS MOUNTAINS HERITAGE REGION, ENDLESS

MOUNTAINS VISITORS BUREAU, AND THE TIOGA COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU) TO DISCUSS AND UNDERSTAND

TOURISM NEEDS IN THE REGION FROM ALL SECTORS.


4. SUPPORT THE LOCAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, DOWNTOWNS, AND ENDLESS MOUNTAIN VISITORS BUREAU AND

THE TIOGA COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU TO IMPROVE TOURISM IN THE NORTHERN TIER.

5. IDENTIFY AREAS TO EXPAND TOURISM AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NORTHERN TIER. IDENTIFY AND

SECURE FUNDING TO ASSIST WITH THIS EFFORT.

6. DEVELOP AGROTOURISM/ECOTOURISM PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE AND RAISE AWARENESS OF THE AGRICULTURAL

INDUSTRY IN THE NORTHERN TIER.

a. DEVELOP PROGRAMS WITH LOCAL FARMERS AND LOCAL CHAMBERS/VISITORS CENTERS TO PROMOTE

AGROTOURISM. EXAMPLE: MEMORY LANE FARM, BAY PORT, MI. TOURISTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO

“VACATION DOWN ON THE FARM.” THE FARMHOUSE IS RENTED BY THE WEEK OR WEEKEND. TOURISTS

CAN OBSERVE FARM MACHINERY, AND ARE ENCOURAGED TO FEED AND TAKE CARE OF THE ANIMALS.

DEVELOP EDUCATION PROGRAMS WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS TO CREATE AWARENESS IN THE LOCAL

COMMUNITY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS INDUSTRY.

b. WORK WITH LOCAL RESTAURANTS TO DEVELOP FARM-TO-TABLE PROGRAMS. LOCAL RESTAURANTS,

CAFES, AND EATERIES WOULD SOURCE THEIR INGREDIENTS FROM LOCAL FARMS. A JOINT MARKETING

PROGRAM SHOULD BE DEVELOPED IDENTIFYING THE FARMS AND RESTAURANTS INVOLVED IN THIS

PROGRAM.

c. DEVELOP FARM-TO-TABLE SPECIAL EVENTS. EXAMPLE: THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HOSTS A FARM-

TO-TABLE DINNER EVENT IN THE CITY OF HARRISBURG. THE EVENT IS AN OPEN-AIR DINING EXPERIENCE

BASED ON INGREDIENTS SOURCED DIRECTLY FROM LOCAL FARMS AND WINERIES.

WO RKFO R CE DEV ELO PM ENT

In order for a business in the Northern Tier to be competitive in today’s economy, the company needs a

well-trained workforce. In order for the region to be economically competitive and its residents to

acquire careers that pay family-sustaining wages, the region needs to ensure that its workforce training

programs provide residents with the skills required to meet the changing needs of today’s employers.

Goal VI: Provide the necessary training to enable the Northern Tier’s workforce to achieve skills

necessary to become gainfully employed.

Objective A: Work with educational institutions, job placement entities, employers and funding sources

to provide training for the industry’s changing needs and promote job placement of qualified individuals.

Action Steps:

1. CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DCED),

LABOR AND INDUSTRY (L&I), PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (PDE), GOVERNOR’S ACTION TEAM

(GAT) AND OTHER FUNDING STREAMS, IMPROVING THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF PROGRAMS AND PROVIDERS TO OFFER

SUPPORT AND COOPERATION WITH PROJECTS.

2. CONTINUE WORKING WITH SHALE TRAINING & EDUCATION CENTER (SHALETEC) AND SHALENET. BOTH

SHALETEC AND SHALENET PROMOTE COLLABORATION WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY AND

PENN STATE EXTENSION TO PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION NEEDS OF

THE COMMUNITY AND THE OIL AND NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY.

3. CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH AREA CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTERS (CTCS) AND THE POST SECONDARY

EDUCATORS IN THE REGION TO PURSUE NECESSARY TRAINING.


a) Keystone College Weekender

b) Penn State/Northern Tier Center

c) Lackawanna College

d) Northern Tier Career Center

e) Red Rock Job Corps.

f) Luzerne Community College at Susquehanna High School

g) Susquehanna Co. Career and Technology Center

h) Luzerne Community College at New Milford

i) Mansfield University

j) Pennsylvania College of Technology

k) Keystone College

4. CONTINUE TO WORK WITH AREA EMPLOYERS AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO UNDERSTAND THE TRAINING

NEEDS IN VARIOUS POSITIONS AND WORK TO ACQUIRE FUNDING TO HELP PROVIDE TRAININGS NECESSARY TO

PROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT EMPLOYEES.

5. CONTINUE TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE JOB

OPPORTUNITIES, SKILLS REQUIRED, EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS, REASONABLE EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS AND HOW

TO USE THE PA CAREERLINK FOR JOB SEARCH AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.


STRATEGIC PROJECTS , PROGRAMS , AND ACTIVITIES

TO P PRI O RI T Y PRO JE CT S

SOUTH MONTROSE WATER EXTENSION

Inadequate infrastructure to support businesses and increasing population is one of the biggest

concerns of business owners and local municipal

leaders in the Northern Tier. In areas throughout the

region, economic growth and development is halted

until water and sewer infrastructure can be

constructed and upgraded to support growth.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners are seeking

assistance to support a public waterline extension in

Bridgewater Township. The project involves installing

approximately 8,445 linear feet of new 12-inch ductal

iron waterline. The subject corridor has commercial,

industrial, and residential uses, but the primary

concern is to connect public water to the Susquehanna

County Correctional Facility and the Susquehanna

County Recycling Center. Public water will be extended south along Route 29 to Ellsworth Drive, where

these facilities are located within a development cluster.

The project will create a healthy and reliable water source to county facilities through the Montrose

Municipal Authority. This project will also aid in attracting additional development along the corridor. It

has strong support from the county government and is in the planning stage.

The estimated project cost is $1,200,000.

WESTFIELD BUSINESS PARK

Another major development concern of municipal leaders in the Northern Tier is the lack of business

parks and developable sites. These make the region attractive to prospective employers and industries

that may be interested in relocating to or building a facility in the Northern Tier. Because neighboring

regions are more urbanized and developed, they can appear more attractive to prospective businesses;

however, the many other advantages of the Northern Tier can work to its advantage if appropriate sites

can be developed. Reuse of brownfield sites also will clean up nearly 18 acres of land in Westfield

Borough and will improve the natural beauty of the region by removing what is considered a local

eyesore. Since its closing in 2005, the brownfield

property has been subject to fire and safety

hazards. The threat remains since the structures

are largely wooden framed; if they were to catch

fire, they could destroy portions of the residential

community. Restoring this area with productive

buildings will increase the opportunity for local

residents to improve their own residences,

resulting in increased real estate taxes and the beautification of the community.


This project includes the redevelopment of the former E.H. Hall, Inc./WESTAN Tannery brownfield site

into the Westfield Business Park. The site is comprised of approximately 17.6 acres, and the project will

involve demolition, renovation of buildings, infrastructure development, site development, landscaping,

and engineering. There are four buildings on the site that can be redeveloped. The Westfield Business

Park will consist of seven lots and will serve the light manufacturing, commercial, and service sectors in

a business campus environment in a State Enterprise Zone.

Rural Tioga County is in need of securing quality jobs for the residents of the Westfield area of the

county. It has been a distressed area for several generations. Developing the Westfield Business Park

will provide an opportunity of sustained manufacturing jobs. It will contribute to the lagging economy of

the area while benefitting local retail and services businesses. The project is expected to create 200 new

jobs to the northern portion of Tioga County and revitalize the Westfield community.


WYOMING COUNTY ECONOMIC STUDY

The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce would like to conduct a new study on the county that is

unlike anything previously completed. Emphasis will be placed on gathering data from key stakeholders

to fully study the strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities within Wyoming County. An

assessment of basic needs, an assessment of community members, and an assessment of which

businesses could thrive in each of the 23 municipalities within the county will be completed. The study

will help the Chamber of Commerce understand what type of manufacturing facility would be interested

in establishing a plant in the County.

Additionally, the Chamber is beginning to see

natural gas drilling happening in the county and

is looking for direction on opportunities to

create an economic “boom” locally.

With the entrance and boom of the natural gas

industry, along with several municipalities

failing and high unemployment, the timing is

right to proceed with a comprehensive

assessment of Wyoming County. Each

municipality will be given information about their community along with the county study upon

completion of the assessment. This information will allow town leaders to formulate a plan to improve

their community. The outcomes of the study will be shared with regional partners, providing the

opportunity to capitalize on the above cited opportunities. The study will also help the county to

capitalize on identified existing strengths and areas for improvement. Furthermore, it will strengthen a

cooperative work environment among municipal leaders, community members, and county officials.

The Chamber has been working with the County Planning Commission to understand ways in which a

County Economic Study can work as a supplement and in cooperation with a County Comprehensive

Plan.

The estimated project cost is $44,000.

400 MAIN STREET REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

This project will redevelop the 400 block in Towanda Borough, Bradford County, PA. The 400 Main

Street Redevelopment Project proposes to construct a condo unit for senior housing development,


commercial/retail space on the first floor of the building,

and a parking garage behind the 400 Main Street building.

This building will be a multi-use facility that will create

downtown viability.

Providing elderly housing is important as this is one of the

population groups that are finding it more difficult to

obtain affordable housing in the Marcellus Shale boom.

As housing prices rise with demand, the elderly are having

an increasingly hard time finding available housing with

no need for improvements. The multi-use facility will also

accommodate the changing population in Bradford County by providing additional retail space that will

create jobs and increase retail and entertainment options, support tourism, and revitalize downtown

Towanda. In 2006, the fire of the Bern Furniture building devastated the downtown area and remained

an eyesore and as condemned property for several years. It has since been demolished. The project is

unanimously supported by the Borough Council and is ready to begin.


CO MPLE TE PRO J EC T L I S T

ECONOMY

Project Cost Location Organization Description

400 Main Street Redevelopment

$15.3 Bradford Central Bradford Progress Authority

REDEVELOP 400 BLOCK IN

TOWANDA BOROUGH.

CONSTRUCT FOUR-STORY

BUILDING WITH PARKING, ELDERLY HOUSING UNITS, AND GROUND FLOOR RETAIL.

Bendix Plan Site Reuse

$10M Susquehanna Central Bradford Progress Authority

SECURE FUNDING FOR THE

ASSESSMENT AND REUSE OF

THE 64-ACRE INDUSTRIAL

SITE TO CREATE BUSINESS

DEVELOPMENT.

Memorial Hospital Expansion Project

$7.4M Bradford/Sullivan Central Bradford Progress Authority

CONSTRUCT NEW THREE-STORY FACILITY WITH

ADDITIONAL BEDS AND EXAM

ROOMS FOR PERSONAL

CARE HOME PROGRAM. INCORPORATE COMMUNITY

HEALTH ASSOCIATES, LLC. ON SECOND/THIRD FLOORS.

THE PROJECT WILL CREATE

79 TEMPORARY

CONSTRUCTION JOBS AND

20 NEW PERMANENT JOBS.


TCDC Building: Former Tioga County Jail Office Complex

$500,000 Tioga Tioga County Commissioners

RESTORE THE FORMER

HISTORICAL TIOGA COUNTY

JAIL INTO A MODERN OFFICE

COMPLEX TO

ACCOMMODATE NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATIONS.

Westfield Business Park

$9.7M Tioga Tioga County Development Corporation

REDEVELOP FORMER E.H. HALL, INC./WESTAN

TANNERY BROWNFIELD SITE, INCLUDING DEMOLITION, RENOVATION, INFRASTRUCTURE

DEVELOPMENT, SITE

DEVELOPMENT, LANDSCAPING, AND

ENGINEERING. PARK WILL CONSIST OF

SEVEN LOTS IN A BUSINESS

CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT.

THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO

CREATE 200 NEW JOBS.

Wyoming County Economic Study

$44,000 Wyoming Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce

STUDY STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES IN

WYOMING COUNTY. HELP THE CHAMBER

UNDERSTAND THE TYPE OF

MANUFACTURING THAT

WOULD BE INTERESTED IN

LOCATING IN THE COUNTY.

DISCOVER IN WHICH

DIRECTION OPPORTUNITIES

WOULD BE FOUND TO

CREATE AN ECONOMIC

“BOOM” BASED ON THE GAS

DRILLING INDUSTRY.

HOUSING


Elmira Street Land Company Senior Apartment Complex

N/A Bradford Athens Township

CONSTRUCT 42-UNIT

APARTMENT COMPLEX AND THREE

DUPLEXES TO ACCOMMODATE

SENIOR HOUSING.

Endless Mts. Community Housing Project


CONSTRUCT MIDDLE INCOME

HOUSING, COMMUNITY CENTER, PLAYGROUND, AND WALKING

TRAILS.


INFRASTRUCTURE


Asylum Township Water & Sewer Project

$5M Bradford Central Bradford Progress Authority

CONSTRUCT WATER AND SEWER

LINES ACROSS THE ROUTE 187

BRIDGE THAT COULD SERVICE THE

TOWNSHIP.

BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF LIBERTY

POWER PLANT.

Bradford County Airport Expansion

$4.2M Bradford Central Bradford Progress Authority

CONSTRUCT A 700 FOOT RUNWAY

EXTENSION AND FULL PARALLEL

TAXIWAY TO EXTEND SERVICES TO

THE BRADFORD COUNTY AIRPORT

FOR LOCAL CORPORATE AIRFARE.

Brewer Hollow Road Reroute

$1.5M Bradford Central Bradford Progress Authority

REROUTE BREWER HOLLOW ROAD

UPGRADE THE ROAD TO BETTER

ACCOMMODATE DAILY TRAFFIC

INTAKE AND ALLOW FOR FUTURE

GROWTH ALONG THE CORRIDOR.

Canton Sewer Plant

$8M Bradford Canton Municipal Authority

UPGRADE AND RECONSTRUCT THE

CANTON SEWER PLANT.

ACQUIRE ADJACENT ABANDONED

PROPERTY.

Construct Hangar $900,000 Tioga Grand Canyon Airport Authority

CONSTRUCT HANGAR TO

ACCOMMODATE SHELL AND

MEDICAL HELICOPTERS.

Gibson Exit Improvements


UPGRADE RAMPS TO

ACCOMMODATE INCREASED TRUCK

TRAFFIC.

Greens Landing Sewer Line Upgrade

$6M Bradford Athens Township

CONDUCT UPGRADES TO SUPPORT

THE FIRST PHASE OF A TREHAB

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

OPPORTUNITIES.

Inflow & Infiltration Work, Replace Bridge, Water Line Replacement

$235,000 Tioga Blossburg Borough

CONDUCT INFLOW AND

INFILTRATION WORK ON THE

BLOSSBURG SEWER SYSTEM. REPLACE BRIDGE ON ST. MARY’S

STREET.

REPLACE 10” WATER LINE ALONG

OGDENSBURG ROAD.

Lockhart/Elmira Sewer Upgrade

$5M Bradford Athens Township

UPGRADE SEWER LINE TO SUPPORT

INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL

GROWTH, AS WELL AS TO

ACCOMMODATE A PROPOSED

SENIOR APARTMENT COMPLEX.


Marsh Creek Greenway

n/a Tioga Tioga County Planning Commission

CONSTRUCT THREE MILE

CONNECTOR BETWEEN PINE CREEK

RAIL TRAIL AND THE BOROUGH OF

WELLSBORO.

Montrose Municipal Authority Wastewater Treatment Plant

$11.3M Susquehanna Central Bradford Progress Authority

UPGRADE TO NEW EQUIPMENT.

WORK ON CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

TO THE MONTROSE MUNICIPAL

AUTHORITY’S WASTEWATER

TREATMENT IN BRIDGEWATER

TOWNSHIP.

North Towanda Water Storage/Pressure Tank

$850,000 Bradford Towanda Municipal Authority

CONSTRUCT A 250,000 GALLON

WATER STORAGE TANK, PUMP

STATION AND APPROXIMATELY

2,800 FEET OF WATER LINE.

Pump Station Upgrades

$3.4M Bradford Athens Township

UPGRADE TWO SEWER LINES TO

ACCOMMODATE GROWTH IN

ATHENS TOWNSHIP.

UPGRADE TWO PUMP STATIONS.

Regional Broadband/Value-Added Services

$375,000 Sullivan NTRPDC REPLACE SUBSTANDARD

INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTING

MID-MILE BROADBAND

IMPLEMENTATION AND BROADBAND

SERVICES DEPLOYMENT WHILE

PROVIDING COMMUNICATIONS

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE

REGION.

Route 220/199/Wolcott Hollow Traffic Signalization


INSTALL TRAFFIC SIGNALS TO

IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY AT BUSY

INTERSECTIONS.

Route 706 Reconstruction


RECONSTRUCT ROUTE 706 FROM

BRADFORD/SUSQUEHANNA

COUNTY LINE TO ROUTE 11 TO

CREATE A STRONG EAST-WEST

CORRIDOR IN SUSQUEHANNA

COUNTY, TO INCREASE

ACCESSIBILITY, AND TO BETTER

HANDLE TRUCK TRAFFIC.

Safe Routes to School for Lanesboro Residents

$500,000 Susquehanna Lanesboro CREATE NEW SIDEWALK AND

CURBING OR REHABILITATE AND

WIDEN EXISTING SIDEWALK AND

CURBING TO ADA-COMPLIANCE OF

A SECTION OF TURNPIKE STREET.

Sewer & Water Extension

N/A Bradford Central Bradford Progress Authority

FORM POSSIBLE JOINT AUTHORITY

WITH WYALUSING BOROUGH.

EXTEND BOROUGH SEWER AND

WATER INTO WYALUSING

TOWNSHIP.


Sewer Camera N/A Sullivan Dushore Sewer Authority

PURCHASE A CAMERA TO AID IN

EFFICIENCY AND LOCATING

INFILTRATION WITHIN THE

MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM.

Sewer Line Extension

N/A Bradford Wysox Township

EXTEND SEWER LINE ALONG

HILLSIDE AVENUE TO POTENTIALLY

EXPAND RESIDENTIAL

DEVELOPMENT.

South Montrose Water Expansion


CONSTRUCT 8,445 LINEAR FEET OF

NEW 12-INCH DUCTAL IRON

WATERLINE TO CONNECT PUBLIC

WATER TO THE SUSQUEHANNA

COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

AND TO THE SUSQUEHANNA

COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER.

Thomas Avenue Bridge Replacement


REPLACE A ONE-LANE, OLD STEEL-DECK BRIDGE WITH A TWO-LANE

BRIDGE TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE

VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AND TO

ACCOMMODATE TRUCK TRAFFIC.

Valley Business Park Access Road


CONSTRUCT A ROAD TO PROVIDE

ACCESS TO THE VALLEY BUSINESS

PARK IN ATHENS TOWNSHIP.

Wastewater Treatment Facility Capacity Expansion


CONSTRUCT A THIRD TREATMENT

UNIT AT THE EXISTING TOWANDA

FACILITY TO DEVELOP A TREATMENT

FACILITY IN WYSOX TOWNSHIP.

INCLUDES ENGINEERING AND LEGAL

COSTS.

Woodside Sewer Extension Project


EXTEND PUBLIC SEWER 5,150 FEET

TO SERVICE RESIDENTIAL AREA DUE

TO PENDING ENVIRONMENTAL AND

HEALTH CHALLENGES.


NATURAL RESOURCES


Global Tungsten & Powders Corporation


COMPLETE A COGENERATION

PROJECT THAT WILL UTILIZE

NATURAL GAS TO CREATE

ELECTRICITY FOR THE PLANT

AND TO BETTER HEATING AND

COOLING FUNCTIONS

THROUGHOUT THE PLANT.

Value-Added Natural Gas Development

$100M Bradford/ Susquehanna

Central Bradford Progress Authority

UTILIZE MARCELLUS SHALE

NATURAL GAS RESERVE.

DEVELOP ELECTRICAL ENERGY

GENERATION.

DEVELOP COMPRESSED

NATURAL GAS AND RELATED

INFRASTRUCTURE.

TOURISM


Mill Cove Environmental Education Center

$3.5M Bradford/Tioga Mill Cove, Inc. CONSTRUCT LOW IMPACT

FACILITIES, INCLUDING AN

ENVIRONMENTAL

EDUCATION CLASSROOM-EXHIBIT CENTER, PAVILIONS, BOAT STORAGE BUILDING, HIKING TRAILS, A FIRING

RANGE, AND OTHER

INFRASTRUCTURE.

Restoration of Creek Junction Park

$471,000 Wyoming Forkston Township

REPLACE THREE BALL FIELDS, BASKETBALL AREA, PAVILION, PICNIC TABLES, GRILLS, REFRESHMENT

BUILDINGS, PLAYGROUND

EQUIPMENT, BLEACHERS, SCORE BOARD, FENCING, STORAGE SHED, GAZEBO, RESTROOMS, BATTING CAGE, AND LAWN MOWER.

South Meadow Pathway

N/A Bradford Rekindle the Spirit, Inc.

N/A

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT



Pennsylvania College of Technology Project

$500,000 Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna

Central Bradford Progress Authority

LOCATE A NEW BRANCH

OFFICE IN TOWANDA TO

PROVIDE WORKFORCE

TRAINING AND

SPECIALIZED TRAINING

COURSES BASED ON

LOCAL EMPLOYERS’ NEEDS.


PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Thus far, the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) has identified strengths and areas

for improvement in the Northern Tier region, along with proposed goals, objectives, and strategies to

build on regional opportunities. A list of projects is also provided to address economic development

problems previously identified. The performance measures set forth will define the metrics of success

and provide a benchmark by which the Northern Tier can evaluate its progress over the next five years.

Performance measures are categorized under the same categories as the regional goals. These

categories are Economy, Housing, Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Tourism, and Workforce

Development.

Recommended Performance Measures

Outcome Performance

Measure

Frequency Source/Collector

of Data

Goal 1: Encourage

economic growth,

and retain

industrial and

business diversity

in the five county

region through job

retention and new

job creation.

INCREASE IN NEW

JOBS CREATED

INCREASE IN

WAGES

Number of new

jobs created

Monthly U.S. CENSUS

QUARTERLY

WORKFORCE

INDICATORS

Decrease in

unemployment

rate

Monthly U.S. BUREAU OF

LABOR

STATISTICS

Increase in per

capita income

Annually U.S. CENSUS

EFFECTIVE

UTILIZATION OF

LAND USE IN THE

NORTHERN TIER

INCREASE IN

NUMBER OF NEW

BUSINESS STARTS

Reduction in

number of sites

located in the

Brownfield and

Vacant Land

Inventory

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Number of new

businesses

created

Quarterly LOCAL

EMPLOYMENT

DYNAMICS

U.S. BUREAU OF

LABOR

STATISTICS

INCREASE IN

PUBLIC AND

PRIVATE

Amount of

Economic

Development

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES


INVESTMENT Administration

(EDA) investment

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Amount of private

investment

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Goal 2: Encourage

development of

housing for

various needs and

incomes.

NEW

DEVELOPMENT

PROJECTS TO

MEET NEEDS OF

VARIOUS

POPULATION

SECTORS

Number of

building permits

for new housing

units

Description of

projects

Quarterly LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

INCREASE IN

PUBLIC AND

PRIVATE

INVESTMENT

Public funding

secured

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Amount of private

investment

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Goal 3: Assist with

identifying public

funding options

for infrastructure

projects needed to

improve the

quality of life

while incentivizing

economic growth

within the

Northern Tier’s

INCREASE IN

CUSTOMERS

PROVIDED WITH

NATURAL GAS

Number of new

gas distribution

lines constructed

Annually LOCAL

COMMUNITIES

LOCAL COUNTIES

ENERGY AND

GAS COMPANIES

IMPROVED

CORRIDORS FOR

ALTERNATE

TRANSPORTATION

Number of new

trails constructed

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC


communities. DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

INCREASED

CONNECTIVITY

FOR INDIVIDUALS

AND BUSINESSES

Number of new

broadband

projects

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

IMPROVED

TRAFFIC

CORRIDORS

Number of new

projects

completed or

under design

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

INCREASE IN

NUMBER OF

WATER AND

SEWER

CUSTOMERS

Number of new

water and sewer

projects

completed

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

INCREASE IN

PUBLIC AND

PRIVATE

INVESTMENT

Public funding

secured

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Amount of private

investment

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Goal 4: Advocate

and assist in the

evaluation,

creation, and

implementation of

responsible

IMPLEMENTATIO

N OF NEW

NATURAL

RESOURCE

DEVELOPMENT

Number of new

CNG buses and

fueling facilities

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES


natural resource

development. Creation of

cogeneration

facilities

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

NEW PRIVATE

INVESTMENT IN

THE NORTHERN

TIER’S DAIRY

FARMS

Number of farm

expansions

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Number of new

dairy-related

businesses

created

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

INCREASE IN

PUBLIC AND

PRIVATE

INVESTMENT

Public funding

secured

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Amount of private

investment

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

INCREASE IN

EDUCATION AND

SUSTAINABLE

PRACTICES

Number of new

sustainable

practices put into

place

Annually LOCAL FARMERS

INCREASE IN

FARM RELATED

TOURISM

ACTIVITIES

Number of new

tourism related

programs created

Annually LOCAL FARMERS

CHAMBERS AND

VISITOR CENTERS


Goal 5:

Strengthen,

promote, and

encourage

communities to

expand and

promote tourism

to assist in

growing the local

economies.

STRENGTHEN

BASIC TOURISM

ASSETS

Number of new

parks and open

space created

Semi-annually LOCAL COUNTIES

PROMOTION OF

TOURISM

OPPORTUNITIES

Outreach efforts

by Chambers of

Commerce and

Visitor Bureaus

Monthly LOCAL

CHAMBERS OF

COMMERCE AND

VISITOR

BUREAUS

EXPAND TOURISM

RESOURCES Number of new

hotels constructed

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

INCREASE IN

PUBLIC AND

PRIVATE

INVESTMENT

Public funding

secured

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Amount of private

investment

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Goal 6: Provide

the necessary

training to enable

the Northern

Tier’s workforce to

achieve skills

necessary to

become gainfully

employed.

PROVIDE SOLID

FOUNDATION FOR

FUTURE

WORKFORCE

High School

graduation and

dropout rates

Annually PENNSYLVANIA

DEPARTMENT OF

EDUCATION

Pennsylvania

System of School

Assessment (PSSA)

scores

Annually PENNSYLVANIA

DEPARTMENT OF

EDUCATION

PROVIDE

APPROPRIATE

TRAINING FOR

TECHNICAL JOBS

Number of new

vocational and

technical school

programs

enrollment

Annually LOCAL

VOCATIONAL

AND TECHNICAL

SCHOOLS


INCREASE IN

PUBLIC AND

PRIVATE

INVESTMENT

Public funding

secured

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES

Amount of private

investment

Annually LOCAL

GOVERNMENTS

LOCAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AGENCIES


EXHIBIT A – POPULATION CHANGE

The following five maps depict the expected population change in each of the Northern Tier counties

between 2012 and 2017. It is estimated that the Northern Tier region will experience a small population

growth from 2012 to 2017, approximately 1.1% or almost 2,000 residents. According to this estimate,

each county will have a small population increase, and the majority of growth will be in Tioga County.




EXHIBIT B – MAPPING OF NORTHERN TIER ASSETS

PUBLI C AND NON-PRO FIT FACILI TIES

The following set of maps depicts the Public and Non-Profit Facilities in each of the Northern Tier

counties. For the purposes of these maps, public facilities were defined as emergency services,

government offices, fire departments, law enforcement offices, and libraries. Data on institutions and

locations were provided by PASDA and Policymap.




COM MERCI AL DEVEL O PMEN T AND IN DUS TRI AL PARKS

The following five maps show the locations of business and industrial sites in the Northern Tier counties.

Sites were identified by collecting information on businesses via ESRI data and filtering them by NAICS

codes. Using this methodology, industrial sites could be separated from other businesses.




HE ALTH CARE , SENI O R SERVI CES AND ED UCATION

The following five maps show health care, senior services, universities, and hospital sites in the Northern

Tier Counties. These assets tend to be more clustered in small groups than do cultural or economic

assets.




CULTURAL ASSE TS

The next five maps depict the location of cultural assets within the Northern Tier counties. Cultural

assets are defined as arts institutions (i.e., theaters and galleries); historical sites (i.e., historical societies

and centers for historical studies); museums; and other assets (i.e., wineries, retreats, and sports

centers). These sites were identified using information from the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau.




PARKS AN D PUBLI C FACILI TIES

The following five maps show the location of parks and public facilities in the Northern Tier counties. For

these purposes, public facilities were defined as sports complexes, national monuments, and golf

courses. City/county, state, and national parks are also included.



Documents

DELTA - Northern Tier CEDS Report 11.2013.pdfpast seven years, the Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration has grown exponentially. The region is located at the very center of the