Luring Businesses from New York into Pennsylvania

The following story was published by WNEP on May 19 and covers a Think About Energy event which was held in Susquehanna County.

POSTED 4:57 PM, MAY 19, 2016, BY , UPDATED AT 05:32PM, MAY 19, 2016

open for1MONTROSE — Since New York state bans fracking, community leaders in Susquehanna County are hoping to capitalize on that ban by attracting businesses to move to Pennsylvania.

Thursday’s meeting was the first of its kind, bringing in outside business people to meet with others who have already moved into Susquehanna County with hopes more will to do the same.

“It gives us the opportunity to bring businesses to PA,” said Susquehanna County Commissioner Alan Hall.

“It’s been better to work here not only from a regulatory standpoint but also from a taxation standpoint,” said Tony Ventello of Progress Authority.

Mike German is one of those business leaders that’s already crossed the border. He’s the head of Leatherstocking Gas which expanded into the area three years ago.

“It’s been a very easy process here in Pennsylvania,” he said.

With an excess supply of natural gas nowadays, area leaders tell Newswatch16 they’re working to not let any of it go to waste.

“We need to get more pipeline in the ground. We need to get the pipelines in to get the gas out of the area and more businesses in to get more demand for the gas,” Hall added.

Organizers of the event will now create relocation packages to help those businesses serious about moving to Susquehanna County.

Brittany Ramos

Brittany was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and attended Pennsylvania State University where she earned degrees in Public Relations and Psychology. She recently earned her Masters in Sociology from Sam Houston State University. Brittany works in the External Affairs for Cabot where she manages communications and outreach projects to community members, elected officials, media and online supporters.