SEDA-COG MPO Invites Public to Review and Comment on two transportation plans

Lewisburg, Pa. – The SEDA‑Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Organization (SEDA‑COG MPO) is pleased to announce the beginning of a 30‑day public review and comment period on two draft documents which cover Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties.

The public comment period for the draft 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and the draft 2027–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will run from Apr. 22, 2026 through May 22, 2026.

The draft LRTP outlines proposed transportation priorities and strategies for the eight-county SEDA‑COG MPO region and serves as an important guide for future federal, state, and local transportation investment decisions. The plan addresses a wide range of transportation needs, including for roadways and bridges , safety, freight movement, public transportation, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities across the MPO.

The draft TIP lists federally funded projects and regionally significant, non-federally funded projects programmed for implementation. The TIP helps both the transportation community and the public to track the use of state, federal, and local transportation funds. The TIP also helps MPO members, local governments, and other transportation stakeholders to establish a transportation program that implements the goals of the region’s long-range transportation plan.

The public is encouraged to review the draft documents on the projects’ websites.

LRTP: https://bit.ly/4cj4Nqm

TIP: https://bit.ly/4mBhfqh

Written comments may be submitted by email or mail to:

Kristin McLaughlin, AICP | Principal Transportation Planner
SEDA-COG MPO
201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837
kmclaughlin@seda-cog.org

To provide additional opportunities for public input, the SEDA‑COG MPO will host a public open house. The open house will allow attendees to review materials, speak with MPO staff, and share feedback on the drafts.

Draft Plan Comment Period Public Meeting

  • Monday, May 4
    9–10 a.m. (public comment for draft TIP)
    10:15–11:15 a.m. (public comment for draft LRTP)
  • Union County Government Center | 155 N 15th St, Lewisburg, PA 17837
  • Virtual option available on projects’ websites

All comments received during the public review period will be considered prior to action by the MPO. The SEDA‑COG MPO values public participation and encourages residents, stakeholders, and interested parties to help shape the region’s transportation in the future.

If anyone requires special assistance to participate, please contact Kristin McLaughlin, SEDA-COG’s project manager, at 570-524-4491.

About the SEDA-COG MPO
The SEDA-COG Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the official transportation planning organization for eight (8) Central Pennsylvania Counties (Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union), as designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Invitation for Bid: Champlain Avenue Demolition Project

The Clinton County Redevelopment Authority (CCRA) will receive sealed bids for the demolition of a duplex residential structure located at 215 and 217 Champlain Avenue, Renovo Borough. Documents will be available for viewing on Monday, April 20, 2026. Bids will be received at the County Planning Office, 2 Piper Way, Suite 244, Lock Haven, PA 17745, until 1:00 PM local prevailing time on the 12th day of May, 2026, at which time the bids will be read aloud within the 2nd Floor Conference Room for the following project:

215/217 Champlain Avenue Demolition Project

Work will include site signage, traffic control, asbestos removal, utility capping and demolition of one wood framed duplex residential structure located at 215/217 Champlain Avenue.

Copies of the Contract Documents may be viewed at the Offices of the Clinton County Planning Department, 2 Piper Way, Suite 244, Lock Haven, PA 17745 during normal business hours. Paper copies of the Contract Documents may be obtained for a $50.00 non-refundable fee. There will be a prebid meeting on May 1, 2026 at the project site.

A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Clinton County Redevelopment Authority, or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total of the Bid, shall be submitted with each bid. The Bidder shall include the fully completed Non-Collusion Affidavit with the bid.

In addition to the Equal Employment requirements of Executive Order 11246 regarding discrimination, the CONTRACTOR must establish a 6.9% goal for female participation and a 1% goal for minority participation in his/her aggregate on-site construction workforce for contracts in excess of $10,000.

Clinton County is the recipient of CDBG federal funds. Clinton County has entered into a sub-recipient agreement for the project with the County Redevelopment Authority. Clinton County has adopted a Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) plan in accordance with Executive Orders 11625, 12138, and 12432 and a Section 3 Action Plan in accordance with Title 24 Part 75 Code of Federal Regulations.

As such, the bidders/offerors must submit documentary evidence of minority and women business enterprises and Section 3 business concerns who have been contacted and to whom commitments have been made. Documentation of such solicitations and commitments shall be submitted with the bid. In accordance with the Buy America, Build America Act, Clinton County and CCRA must also adhere to such requirements, the bidders/offerors must adhere to these requirements and submit the included certification.
Moreover, the CONTRACTOR shall strive to meet the MBE goal of 5% and the WBE goal of 3% for contracts of $25,000 or more. For projects which the amount of HUD or CDBG funding exceeds $200,000 the CONTRACTOR must attempt to meet the minimum numerical goals of which 25% or more of the total number of labor hours worked by all workers on a Section 3 project are Section 3 workers, per 24 CFR Part 75.19; and 5% or more of the total number of labor hours worked by all workers on a Section 3 project are Targeted Section 3 workers, as defined in 24 CFR Part 75.21. CCRA, through its funding agreement with Clinton County, in accordance with its Section 3 Action Plan, may provide a bid preference to a bidder who is a Section 3 business concern. MBE/WBE and Section 3 business concerns shall be afforded full opportunity to bid without discrimination. Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Rates and Related Acts apply to this Project.

Bids may be held by the CCRA for up to 60 days from the date of opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders prior to awarding the contract. The CCRA reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularities, or to negotiate contract amounts.

Beth Riccardo
CCRA Chair

Community, Leaders Celebrate Independence Street Revitalization Groundbreaking

Image description: Elected officials, City of Shamokin leaders, project partners, and community members participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Independence Street Streetscape Project on April 20, 2026, at the intersection of 9th Street and Independence Street.

Shamokin, PA — The City of Shamokin, in partnership with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), celebrated the groundbreaking of Phase 1 of the Independence Street Streetscape Project during a ceremony held yesterday, April 21, at the intersection of 9th Street and Independence Street.

Local, regional, and federal officials joined City leaders, project partners, and community members to mark the start of a major revitalization effort focused on improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, and the overall streetscape along this important Shamokin corridor.

“Today’s groundbreaking is another important step forward in our city’s ongoing revitalization,” stated Mayor Michael McLaughlin. He noted that the Independence Street project is one of several efforts underway across Shamokin and that, together, “we are laying the groundwork, literally and figuratively, for long-term progress.”

McLaughlin continued, “None of this happens alone, this project is a result of strong collaboration between the City of Shamokin, Congressman Meuser, Senator Culver, Representative Stehr, Commissioners Schiccatano, Klebon, and Beck, other county, state, and federal partners, SEDA-COG, and our community. It shows what is possible when we all come together. We are building momentum, project by project, towards a stronger future.”

Building on the theme of shared progress and long-term commitment, Rep. Joann Stehr emphasized the broader meaning of the milestone, stating, “Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction, it reflects real progress and a shared commitment to moving this community forward.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser also spoke during the ceremony, recognizing the importance of continued federal investment in community infrastructure projects such as the revitalization of Independence Street.

The Independence Street Streetscape Project is a key implementation effort of the GoShamokin! Revitalization Plan, a comprehensive strategy adopted by the City in 2020 to guide economic and community development.

Phase 1 construction improvements extend from 9th Street to the railroad crossing at Liberty Street and are expected to enhance pedestrian safety, accessibility, traffic flow, streetscape aesthetics, and the overall visitor experience entering downtown Shamokin.

The project was designed by Stromberg, Garrigan & Associates, with Phase 1 construction being completed by Mid-State Construction. Representatives from both firms were in attendance for the ceremony.

“This project has always been about more than sidewalks and streetscape improvements—it is about pride, opportunity, and believing in Shamokin’s future. We will keep pushing forward, keep building partnerships, and keep bringing investment into this community because Shamokin deserves nothing less,” said Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG.

Additional partners recognized during the event included Northumberland County leadership, the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, and numerous local, state, and federal supporters.

Construction is expected to begin in late April or early May.

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.

Request for Proposals: Professional Planning & Engineering Services

Columbia County is seeking proposals and qualifications from firms that wish to provide planning and engineering services for five flood mitigation and flood risk management system projects in the West End of the Town of Bloomsburg that are located within the floodplain and floodway of Fishing Creek.

Three floodplain/floodway improvement projects are proposed to mitigate induced flooding of Fishing Creek. All necessary engineering services for construction of said projects are being procured through a Request for Proposals evaluation efforts, necessitating submission of pricing as a component of submitted proposals.

Two structural levee/floodwall projects are proposed to reduce flood risk in the West End of the Town of Bloomsburg. All necessary preliminary engineering services for construction of said projects are being procured through a Request for Proposals evaluation efforts, necessitating submission of pricing as a component of submitted proposals.

All final design, construction administration, closeout services, and all other related tasks for the construction of the two structural levee/floodwall projects in the West End in the Town of Bloomsburg, are being procured through a Request for Qualifications evaluation, with contract pricing intended to be negotiated at a later date. Columbia County reserves the right to retain said engineering services through a newly awarded engineering contract or through a contract amendment.

Due to time constraints and funding availability associated with the various projects, specified duties for individual projects may or may not occur concurrently.
A non-mandatory pre-submission site visit will be held on April 13, 2026, at 2pm at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, 2nd Floor of the Administration Building, 620 West Third Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

All Proposals/Qualifications will be accepted until 10 a.m. prevailing time, April 30, 2026, at which time the submitted Proposals/Qualifications will be publicly opened in Columbia County’s Commissioner Meeting Room, 702 Sawmill Road, Bloomsburg, PA. Proposals/Qualifications shall be sealed and clearly marked on the outside, “Professional Planning and Engineering Services” and submitted to:

Dave Witchey
Chief Clerk
11 West Main Street
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania 17815

Questions regarding this proposal and request for qualifications should be directed to:

Tyler Dombroski, Director,
Community Development Program
SEDA-Council of Governments
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Phone (570) 524-4491 ext. 7243
Email: tdombroski@seda-cog.org.

Proposals/Qualifications that are faxed or emailed to Columbia County cannot be accepted.

Upon initial evaluation of the proposal/qualification packages, Columbia County may conduct interviews with firms that submit high-ranking proposals/qualificationsin an effort to make a final selection of a planning and engineering service provider. Specific criteria used to determine a high-ranking proposal is discussed in this Request for Proposals and Qualifications.

Columbia County reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposal packages, waive any irregularities, request additional information and negotiate contract terms and fees.

Downloads: