Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), a community and economic development agency serving Central Pennsylvania, helped Montour and Columbia counties secure a combined $475,000 through the Local Share Account (LSA) Statewide program.
The two projects, supported by SEDA-COG’s Community Revitalization and Community Development teams, will improve public safety by strengthening emergency communication, and reduce flood risks for residents, businesses, and critical community assets.
Montour County emergency warning system
Montour County was awarded $225,000 to develop a countywide emergency warning system. Alimara “Ali” Cassidy, SEDA-COG Community Revitalization Program Coordinator, assisted the county with preparation of the successful grant application.
The system will use rain gauges, stream gauges, cameras, and audible warning alerts to provide earlier notification of flooding and other emergencies. The audible-alert component is particularly important for reaching residents who may not have reliable or regular access to cellphones, internet service, or other communications technology.
By expanding the county’s ability to monitor conditions and alert the public quickly, the project will enhance emergency preparedness and help protect residents throughout Montour County.
Columbia County flood mitigation
Columbia County was awarded $250,000 for the benched floodplain phase of the West End Flood Mitigation Project. Betsy Kramer, SEDA-COG Director of Community Revitalization and Resiliency, developed the application in partnership with SEDA-COG’s Community Development program and Columbia County.
The West End Flood Mitigation Project is a coordinated effort to address recurring flooding in the Town of Bloomsburg and Hemlock Township. The planned benched floodplain along Fishing Creek will increase the area’s capacity to store and convey floodwaters, helping reduce the frequency and severity of flooding that affects homes, businesses, transportation routes, and the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.
According to SEDA-COG, “this work represents another important step toward the larger West End flood-protection system and will help Columbia County meet federal requirements necessary to advance future project phases.”
“These awards demonstrate what strong partnerships and carefully developed projects can accomplish for our communities,” Kramer said. “Ali did an excellent job assisting Montour County with its application, and we were proud to work across SEDA-COG programs and alongside Columbia County to advance the West End Flood Mitigation Project. Both investments will help make our region safer and more resilient.”
Legislative support
On behalf of Montour and Columbia counties, SEDA-COG extends its sincere appreciation to Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, Rep. Michael Stender, and Rep. Robert Leadbeter for their advocacy and support of these important regional projects.
Sen. Culver and Rep. Stender supported Montour County’s emergency warning system, while Sen. Culver and Rep. Leadbeter advocated for the Columbia County’s West End Flood Mitigation Project.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved both grants through the LSA Statewide program, which supports projects that enhance public safety, infrastructure, community facilities, and overall quality of life across Pennsylvania.
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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 which include Grant Assistance for Communities & Nonprofit Organizations.