WILLIAMSPORT REVISITED: APPLYING an AUSTRIAN LENS to the LUMBER and FRACKING BOOMS of WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA by Erika Grace Davies
No. 17-39 Summer 2017 MERCATUS GRADUATE POLICY ESSAY WILLIAMSPORT REVISITED: APPLYING AN AUSTRIAN LENS TO THE LUMBER AND FRACKING BOOMS OF WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA by Erika Grace Davies The opinions expressed in this Graduate Policy Essay are the author’s and do not represent official positions of the Mercatus Center or George Mason University. Abstract In 1845, Williamsport experienced massive growth from the lumber boom. This growth did not last, however, and with the decline of the boom in 1909, the city was left destitute. I theorize that the institutional environment leading up to the lumber boom incentivized entrepreneurship and market competition. When this environment changed, individuals began competing for protectionism instead, driving the lumber boom towards its bust. Based on this analysis, I supply policy recommendations for Williamsport to maintain growth after the fracking boom it is currently experiencing. Specifically, local policymakers should foster a policy environment that promotes entrepreneurship and market competition. Author Bio ErikaGrace Davies is a PhD student in economics at West Virginia University. She received BAs in economics and philosophy from Duquesne University. She is an alumna of the Mercatus MA Fellowship at George Mason University, where she received her MA in economics. Committee Members Stefanie Haeffele, Deputy Director, Academic and Student Programs; Senior Fellow, F. A Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center at George Mason University Arielle John, Senior Fellow, F. A Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; Associate Director, Academic and Student Programs, Mercatus Center at George Mason University Jayme Lemke, Senior Research Fellow, F.
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