SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
A popular tourist paddlewheeler should be able to get out of drydock thanks to a funding stream from Lycoming County.
Commissioners at their weekly meeting approved $100,000 for the Hiawatha to make journeys this season down the Susquehanna River.
The funding will assist with operations and budget shortfalls experienced by Hiawatha Inc. due to COVID-19, according to commissioners.
“We were faced with it being out of operation this season,” Commissioner Rick Mirabito said.
Commissioners noted yearly Hiawatha costs amount to $50,000, including for insurance, even if it doesn’t operate.
The county funding is expected to be a one-time allocation.