From staff reports
The continuing Lyric Theatre rehabilitation project in Oil City has been buoyed by a $500,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant that was announced Friday by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey.
Casey supported the grant in a letter earlier this year, saying the theater would create an anchor for arts in Oil City and help revitalize the local economy.
The rest of the $1,191,138 project will be paid for with matching funds of $691,138 from state and local governments, Casey said.
The Appalachian Regional Commission funding will support renovation of 11,783 square feet — including a new auditorium — and ensure that new construction is compliant with the American with Disabilities Act, guaranteeing accessibility throughout the theater.
“The historic Lyric Theatre has been keeping arts and culture alive in Oil City since 1906. I was proud to advocate for this funding to begin an ambitious rehabilitation project,” Casey said.
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