Author: DNS Admin

Building a Stronger Future for the Mount Carmel Area

Posted on by DNS Admin

Lewisburg, PA — A coalition of local, regional, state, and national partners has launched the Mount Carmel Revitalization Initiative, a long-term effort focused on strengthening the Mount Carmel Area through investment in people, community assets, workforce development, and economic opportunity. 

The initiative brings together organizations that share a commitment to helping the community build on its existing strengths while creating new opportunities for residents and future generations. 

Like many rural communities, Mount Carmel has a strong history, dedicated residents, and a deep sense of pride. This effort is designed to support local priorities, encourage collaboration, and help community partners work together to address challenges and pursue opportunities throughout the region. 

The initiative was made possible through support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, whose investment helped partners build the relationships and shared vision that laid the groundwork for this collaborative effort. By investing in partnerships, Bloomberg helped create the conditions for long-term community growth. 

Coalition partners include Coalfield Development, Partners for Rural Impact (PRI), Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO), the Mount Carmel Area Community Center, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU), H&P Construction, Inc. (HPCI), Bucknell University, the Borough of Mount Carmel, and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG). 

“One of the strengths of this initiative is the range of experience and resources each partner brings to the table,” said Betsy Kramer, Director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG. “By working together, we can pursue funding, support local leadership, and help turn community ideas into projects that make a meaningful difference for the Mount Carmel Area.” 

Together, the partners will coordinate resources, pursue funding opportunities, support community-led projects, and advance efforts related to workforce development, economic growth, education, and neighborhood improvement. 

First Project Focuses on Workforce Development and Community Investment 

The initiative’s first project will begin this summer at the Mount Carmel Area Community Center. 

“We are honored that the Community Center will serve as the starting point for this initiative,” said Cathy Besser of the Mount Carmel Area Community Center. “While the first project begins here, the vision reaches far beyond our walls. This effort is about creating opportunities for residents, strengthening partnerships, and helping build a brighter future for the entire Mount Carmel Area.” 

Four workforce trainees will participate in a hands-on pilot program led by H&P Construction, Inc., with support and oversight from Mayor Bing Cimino. Trainees will complete landscaping and site improvement projects around the Community Center while gaining valuable work experience and job skills. 

“This pilot project demonstrates exactly what this collaboration is all about: bringing people together to invest in our community while creating opportunities for residents to learn valuable skills,” Cimino said. “It’s the first step in what we believe will become a long-term revitalization effort benefiting the entire Mount Carmel Area.” 

The project reflects a simple goal: creating opportunities for residents while making visible investments in community assets that benefit everyone. As funding opportunities arise, the initiative will continue supporting projects throughout the Mount Carmel Area. 

Planning for the Future 

In addition to launching its first project, partners are preparing for a long-term community planning process. 

SEDA-COG will pursue funding for the development of the GoMountCarmel! Plan, a community-driven strategy that will help identify priorities and future projects across the Mount Carmel Area. The planning effort will engage residents, businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and community partners in shaping a shared vision for the future. 

Potential focus areas include housing, workforce development, economic growth, downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship, recreation, infrastructure, and neighborhood investment. 

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. 

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Amanda Owens
Chief Human Resources Officer, SEDA-COG
570-524-4491 
aowens@seda-cog.org  

Liberty Township Unveils Website Redesign with Modern Look and Improved Accessibility

Liberty Township Unveils Website Redesign with Modern Look and Improved Accessibility

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Lewisburg, PA — Liberty Township, Montour County, has launched a redesigned municipal website featuring a fresh, modern appearance and improved access to township information and resources.

The website redesign was completed in partnership with the SEDA-COG Information Technology Group (ITG) and reflects the township’s ongoing commitment to enhancing communication with residents. The updated site introduces a cleaner design, streamlined navigation, and a mobile-friendly experience, making it easier for residents to find important information from any device.

The website serves as a centralized resource for township news, meeting information, ordinances, forms, and contact information. By modernizing its online presence, Liberty Township has made it more convenient for residents to access information and stay informed about local government activities.

“We are pleased to offer residents a website that is easier to navigate, more accessible, and better equipped to share important township information,” said Liberty Township’s Board of Supervisors.

“The redesigned site provides residents with better access to important information while presenting a professional and welcoming image of our community.”

The project focused not only on visual improvements but also on enhancing the overall user experience. Residents can now more easily locate township documents, review meeting agendas and minutes, and find answers to common questions through a streamlined website structure.

As part of the project, SEDA-COG ITG provided website design services, technical support, and training to ensure township officials can efficiently manage and maintain website content moving forward.

“Our goal is to help local governments strengthen communication and public engagement through effective technology solutions,” SEDA-COG ITG Principal Program Analyst, Scott Kramer said. “This redesigned website gives Liberty Township a modern platform that will help residents stay informed and connected with township services and activities.”

While the redesign introduces a contemporary look and improved functionality, township officials view it as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen community engagement and increase transparency. Future updates and additional features may be incorporated as township needs evolve.

Residents are encouraged to visit the redesigned website at https://libertytwsp.com/ and explore the enhanced features and resources available online.

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.

$777,500 Awarded for Sullivan County Sewer Project

$777,500 Awarded for Sullivan County Sewer Project

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Lewisburg, Pa. Sonestown, a rural community in Sullivan County with approximately 200 residents, has secured $777,500 in funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to address significant issues within its wastewater treatment and collection system.

The project, supported by SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, will focus on improving aging infrastructure that has raised serious concerns related to public health, water quality, and environmental protection.

Sonestown’s sewer system has experienced ongoing deterioration, including cracked and sagging pipes, limited maintenance access, and repeated flooding near Muncy Creek. These conditions have led to sewage backups, system overflows, and concerns about groundwater contamination. Many residents rely on private wells, and some have turned to bottled water due to concerns about water safety.

“This project allows Sonestown to address critical infrastructure needs that directly impact residents’ health and quality of life,” said County Commissioner Chair Scott Myers. “It ensures the system can operate more reliably now and into the future.”

The project will upgrade both the wastewater treatment plant and collection system to improve reliability and reduce ongoing issues. Planned work includes increasing flood protection at the treatment plant, upgrading key components, inspecting approximately 6,500 feet of sewer lines, installing additional access points for maintenance, and completing targeted pipe repairs using minimally invasive methods. These improvements will help reduce system failures, improve flow, and prevent future overflows and backups.

The investment will protect groundwater supplies and reduce the risk of contamination to Muncy Creek while improving overall system performance and compliance. This funding is critical to completing necessary improvements without placing additional financial strain on the community. The overall goal is to provide long-term stability and more reliable service for residents moving forward.

Shamokin Awarded $1.5 Million for Streetscape Project

Shamokin Awarded $1.5 Million for Streetscape Project

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Current sidewalk conditions along Independence Street between 8th and 9th streets, looking toward the intersection at 8th Street

Shamokin, PA — The City of Shamokin, with support from SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), has been awarded $1.5 million through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Surface Block Grant Program, to support continued improvements along Independence Street.

The award will support Phase 2 of the ongoing Independence Street Streetscape Project, focusing on the block between 9th Street and 8th Street. Planned upgrades include safer crosswalks, improved sidewalks, and other enhancements to make the street more accessible, welcoming, and easier to navigate.

This investment builds on previously secured funding for the project, including a $2.675 million federal congressional appropriation and $250,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund.

A ceremonial groundbreaking for Phase 1, which includes improvements from 9th Street to the railroad crossing, was held April 20, 2026. Construction on that phase is expected to begin soon.

The project will be completed in four phases and is designed to strengthen connections and support ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Shamokin. It aligns with recommendations from the GoShamokin! Plan and other local transportation and safety initiatives.

The TASA award is part of more than $74 million announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to fund 72 projects in 38 counties aimed at improving community access and transportation options across the commonwealth. These investments support projects that enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to school, and increase safety for vulnerable travelers.

“This award is incredibly exciting for the city of Shamokin and the continued momentum of this effort,” said Mayor Mike McLaughlin.

McLaughlin added, “A well-planned downtown infrastructure project does more than improve roads and utilities, it creates the foundation for long-term economic growth, safer and more walkable neighborhoods, stronger local businesses, and renewed community pride. When cities invest in modern infrastructure, they invest in the people, connections, and opportunities that make downtown a place where residents and visitors want to spend time.”

“This project demonstrates how strategic partnerships and phased investments can help transform communities,” said Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG. “We are grateful for the ongoing support and collaboration from the SEDA-COG MPO and PennDOT District 3 throughout the TASA application process.”

Kramer added that improvements along Independence Street will have lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors.

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.