A Pennsylvania state grant for upgrades to BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field is on hold, leaving parts of the project’s funding in question.
To complete a series of upgrades to the home of the Williamsport Crosscutters (Short Season A; NY-Penn League), Williamsport officials sought a $1.2 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant. The grant was to cover upgrades to BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field’s seating, which is one of several projects that is on tap at the facility.
While the grant application is still technically up for consideration, it was not included in the most recent round of selections. However, Williamsport officials still think that a grant could come through by the end of this year. More from the Sun-Gazette:
Among the renovations at the stadium ongoing include a $2.3 million grandstand deck addition to be funded with bond financing provided by the city, according to William E. Nichols Jr., city finance director.
“We’re still alive,” Nichols said of the grant application. He said state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, and state Rep. Jeff Wheeland, R-Loyalsock Township, are working on behalf of the city toward getting the grant.
“We should know about the next round of grants in December,” Nichols said.
BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, which won our most recent Best of the Ballparks award for the Short Season-A level, is also in line for a new party deck. Construction on the deck, which is being built down the right field line, began earlier this year.