Lewisburg, PA — With the assistance of SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), The City of Sunbury was awarded $1,000,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Discretionary Program for Phase Two of the Susquehanna Avenue Stormwater and Sewer Separation Project.
The city’s aging water distribution system, which supplies drinking water and supports firefighting through hydrants, needs repairs to ensure an adequate supply for both uses. The sewage system, which does not separate stormwater from sewage, is also outdated, and its pipes are too small to handle increased flow during heavy rain. During storms, the system and the city’s treatment plant become overwhelmed, causing flooding and sewage backups into streets and properties.
Phase Two will continue work started in Phase One, which covered Susquehanna Avenue from Reagan Street to Packer Street, by upgrading the water and sewer systems along Susquehanna Avenue from Packer Street to Julia Street and sewer separation on Fort Augusta Avenue.
Crews will replace old sewer pipes that are cracked and too small for today’s needs. It will also build a separate stormwater system with new storm drains to help water flow off streets. The upgraded water system will include new mains, shut-off valves, fire hydrants, and connections to homes and businesses. Once the underground construction is completed, work will begin to rebuild the street, curbs, and sidewalks along Susquehanna Avenue.
In addition, improvements will be made to the Reagan Street pump station to handle more flow and reduce costs. And a previously closed drainage structure will be reopened to help the city’s stormwater system manage heavy rain more effectively.
Work is expected to being in Spring 2026 and last through November 2026.
Upon completion, the upgraded water system will ensure safe drinking water and reliable fire protection for the City’s residents and businesses. The construction of a separate stormwater system and upgrades to the sewer system will keep rainwater and wastewater separated, reducing strain on the treatment plant and helping prevent flooding and sewage backups during heavy storms.
Susquehanna Avenue is the only access point to the former Celotex property, which the city is redeveloping to attract new industry and create jobs. These infrastructure improvements will help advance those efforts.
The application for funding was prepared and submitted by SEDA-COG on behalf of the City of Sunbury and was supported by local stakeholders and state and federal officials including U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, state Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, state Rep. Michael Stender, the Northumberland County Planning office, and the Sunbury Municipal Authority, who offered letters of support for the application.
“Sunbury has been working hard to modernize its aging water and sewer infrastructure, and this grant is an important step forward,” said U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser. “Upgrading these outdated systems will protect homes and businesses from flooding, improve water quality and fire protection, and strengthen the city’s ability to attract new employers to the former Celotex site. I was glad to support the City’s application, and I appreciate SEDA-COG and our state and local partners for their commitment to Sunbury’s long-term growth.”
The total project cost for Phase Two is $5.5 million. Additional funding is being provided through the City’s 2023 and 2024 CDBG allocations, federal appropriations through Rep. Dan Meuser’s office, local matching funds, an H20 grant, and Northumberland County ARPA funds.
The 2024 CDBG Discretionary funds awarded for this project are part of more than $6.2 million in Community Development Block Grant allocations distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to communities across the Commonwealth.
“The Shapiro Administration understands the importance of making investments through CDBG and similar programs to create safe and healthy communities for all Pennsylvanians to live, work, and play, and these awards help make that vision a reality,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger in the press release issued by DCED. “We will continue to make investments like these that address the most critical needs facing our communities.”
About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.