Lycoming County commissioners voted Thursday to approve the sale of subsurface rights covering approximately 1,350 acres to Range Resources for a purchase price of $5,400,000 and an assigned 2% royalty interest on oil, gas and hydrocarbon proceeds. The vote followed several commissioners’ remarks that the transaction had been negotiated over months and could supply both immediate budget relief and ongoing revenue.

County officials said the property has been in county ownership for decades and that the agreement includes both an upfront payment and a potential recurring revenue stream tied to future hydrocarbon production. "This was extensively negotiated over many months, and we achieved a great outcome," said Brett, a staff member who participated in the negotiations. Josh, another staff member involved on the county’s side, was praised by commissioners for the technical work that helped reach the terms.

The county described the sale as “an excellent opportunity” that provides a significant immediate payment and a continuing royalty stream. Commissioners said the funds will help with current budget pressures, including effects from a state budget impasse discussed elsewhere in the meeting. Officials also noted the transaction required consultation with geological experts and multiple rounds of negotiation with several parties.

Commissioners agreed to issue a press release later the day of the vote and to move forward with finalizing the transaction. The board took a formal vote to approve the related resolution (Resolution 2025-21) authorizing the sale and assignment of the 2% royalty interest.

Because the agreement includes ongoing royalty payments, county staff said it will continue to monitor production and receipts going forward and will report back as necessary. The commissioners did not detail a specific allocation plan for the proceeds in the public meeting.

The sale had been discussed in public meetings for more than three years; county and outside advisers told the board the process involved multiple potential deal structures before settling on an upfront payment plus royalty assignment. The commissioners described the negotiations as civil and technical, involving opposing counsel and experts from both sides.