Would Have Returned State Police Aviation Unit To Williamsport Regional Airport

A bill to return the state police aviation unit to Williamsport (PA) Regional Airport was defeated by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week. The measure failed to carry by eight votes.

The aviation unit was recently moved out of Lycoming County to an airport at a higher elevation where weather is more often a problem, according to a report appearing in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette. Lawmakers in the state have said they have still not received a good explanation as to why the move took place. It had been located at Williamsport Regional for more than 40 years.

The bill to return the unit to Williamsport received bi-partisan support, and the measure's author said he was encouraged by the closeness of the vote. State Representative Rick Mirabito, a Democrat, introduced an amendment to the state budget to move the unit back, but while it received 94 votes, it was not enough to carry the day.

Mirabito said he would continue to work to get the aviation unit returned to Williamsport Regional Airport. He said he will try to get more of his House colleagues to support the move.

FMI: www.legis.state.pa.us