$187,100 and $19,500 respectively
SEDA-COG will use the grant to prepare a multi-county Greenway Plan
Mount Carmel Borough will use its funds to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for Oak Street Park
Lewisburg, PA –SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), a community and economic development agency serving Central Pennsylvania, will receive $187,100 from a Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grant, while Mount Carmel Borough, in Northumberland County will receive $19,500.
The grants, funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), looks to fund projects that help communities improve parks and playgrounds, build and repair trails, conserve open space, restore rivers and watersheds, and grow local economies through outdoor recreation.
“Pennsylvania’s parks and trails give us a place to make memories with our families, take a breath and lower our blood pressure, and just enjoy nature,” said Governor Shapiro.
“These awards help us move community priorities toward reality – from connecting trails, parks and downtowns across four counties to envisioning a welcoming neighborhood park in Mount Carmel. Thoughtful planning gives our communities a stronger foundation to pursue funding and create places that serve residents, attract visitors and support local businesses. We’re grateful for the investment and the partnerships making this work possible,” said Betsy Kramer, Director of Community Revitalization & Resiliency at SEDA-COG.
SEDA-COG will use the grant to prepare a multi-county Greenway Plan for Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder counties, while Mount Carmel Borough, Northumberland County will use its funds to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 0.26-acre Oak Street Park which will establish a framework for the site’s future development as a neighborhood recreation and gathering space, with an electronic written report and site development drawing.
Supported by SEDA-COG, Mount Carmel Borough’s planning effort will help them evaluate community needs, establish design priorities and prepare for future funding opportunities. The work complements ongoing environmental assessment through EPA brownfields resources, helping coordinate site investigation with park planning and future redevelopment.
“The project advances Mount Carmel’s broader revitalization efforts by laying the groundwork for a welcoming public space that benefits residents and strengthens the surrounding neighborhood,” added Kramer.
On behalf of Mount Carmel Borough, SEDA-COG has also applied for matching funds through DCED Act 13 Greenway Recreation Trail Program (GTRP) to support this project and they are awaiting the award announcement.
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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.