Author: Nancy Osborn

The Rivet at Discovery Space Receives ARC Funding to Support Rural Entrepreneurs in Central PA

The Rivet at Discovery Space Receives ARC Funding to Support Rural Entrepreneurs in Central PA

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – The Rivet at Discovery Space in State College has been awarded $42,675 through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Area Development Grant. This investment will support rural entrepreneurs through a new cohort-based professional learning program.

Dr. Michele Crowl of Discovery Space partnered with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) to develop and submit the successful grant application.

“We’re excited to help rural entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses,” said Dr. Michele Crowl, Executive Director of Discovery Space. “This program is about unlocking potential and building community.”

The initiative will help new and small businesses strengthen and expand their operations, providing a structured journey for participants to develop essential business skills, set financial goals, and create actionable business plans.

“This program focuses on equipping artisans, craftspeople, and small-scale manufacturers with essential business skills, promoting local small business growth and economic stability,” wrote U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson in a letter of support for the grant application.

“This investment will not only create new opportunities for local makers but also contribute to Pennsylvania’s broader economic development by strengthening small creative enterprises, fostering regional economic resilience, and ensuring that business resources are accessible beyond traditional urban centers,” wrote U.S. Senator John Fetterman in his letter of support for the grant application.

ARC funds will support staffing, equipment, and services to position The Rivet as a vital resource for rural entrepreneurs.

Photo available courtesy of Discovery Space.

Photo description: Two people work on a woodworking project at The Rivet in State College.

About ARC
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC and the SEDA-COG Local Development District to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation.

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.
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.

Preservation Kickoff Celebrates Major Investment in Affordable Senior Housing in Selinsgrove

Preservation Kickoff Celebrates Major Investment in Affordable Senior Housing in Selinsgrove

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Photo description: EDA-COG’s Leslie Osgood joins resident Roberta Meiser and Todd Ross of T-Ross Brothers Construction for the ceremonial first swing of the sledgehammer, marking the start of renovations at Market Street Manor.

Lewisburg, PA – Public officials and development partners gathered Monday, Oct. 6 with the SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to celebrate the official kickoff of a major preservation and renovation project at two properties, Market Street Manor and High Street Manor, in Snyder County.

The event marked the beginning of a $13.4 million investment to preserve and improve the housing complexes, ensuring safe, quality, affordable housing remains in our region for years to come.

Without this investment, the long-term viability of the building, and the ability to continue serving our residents, would have been increasingly at risk. This preservation effort safeguards not only the structure of the buildings, but also ensures we can continue to provide affordable, independent living options.

With a growing waitlist of older adults seeking housing, maintaining and improving existing units is essential to meeting community needs and avoiding more costly institutional alternatives.

Renovations are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. The project will add 2 new units and include major upgrades to mechanical systems and HVAC. Exterior improvements will feature new roofing, siding, windows, and doors. Interior renovations will include full-size stoves, walk-in showers, new refrigerators, and updated flooring.

While the facility is independent living and does not provide direct care, a robust service plan will be implemented in partnership with the Union-Snyder Area Agency on Aging. This plan will bring supportive services on-site to assist residents with various needs.

An internal rent subsidy will also be introduced to help ensure affordability for very low-income residents.

The celebration featured opening remarks and acknowledgments from Kim Wheeler, executive director of SEDA-COG and chair of the HDC board of directors. Leslie Osgood, rental housing program chief at SEDA-COG, followed with an overview of the project’s scope. Attendees were then invited to share their own reflections and remarks, creating a meaningful moment of connection and shared purpose.

“I’m very excited to be in Selinsgrove this afternoon on behalf of Executive Director Wiessman and PHFA Board of Directors to celebrate the start of the preservation,” stated Logan Minnich, lending analyst at PHFA.

Minnich continued, “PHFA is very happy to be a funder in this much needed rehab which will preserve quality, affordable housing for the residents.”

Representatives from the offices of State Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver and State Representative David Rowe were attendance, underscoring the broad support for preserving affordable senior housing in Snyder County.

Snyder County Commissioner Adam Ewig spoke on behalf of the Commissioners stating, “affordable senior housing options in Snyder County are limited, so it’s encouraging to see this project preserved — and even expanded with 2 additional units. Housing affordability is essential to human flourishing, and we’re proud to help keep residents here in the county.”

Funding and support for the project include:

  • $742,680 in PennHOMES (Federal HOME) funds awarded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). In addition, PHFA also approved $1.067 million in tax credits, expected to generate about $9.1 million in equity, and authorized the transfer of an existing $1.3 million PennHOMES loan to the development.
  • $32,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Snyder County Commissioners.
  • $25,000 in CDBG funds and $75,000 from the Rudy Gelnett Trust, allocated by the Borough of Selinsgrove.
  • $9.18 million in private investment from Fulton Bank.
  • $1.6 million investment from the SEDA-COG HDC.

“Together, these contributions represent more than just dollars—they reflect a deep and shared commitment to preserving these communities for the long term,” stated SEDA-COG Executive Director Wheeler.

Wheeler continued, “Every partner, every advocate, every dollar has helped bring us to this moment. And while today marks the official kickoff, it’s also a celebration of what we can achieve when we work together.”

About SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation
The SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation coordinates projects to acquire land, secure financing, and oversee construction of rental housing for the region’s 62+ population, particularly those living on fixed incomes. The organization also manages its rental communities, ensuring continued access to safe, quality, affordable housing in the SEDA-COG region.

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.

SEDA-COG Helps Bridge $1.5 Million Funding Gap for Route 147 Waterline Project

SEDA-COG Helps Bridge $1.5 Million Funding Gap for Route 147 Waterline Project

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) played a key role in helping the Herndon Borough-Jackson Township Joint Municipal Authority (HBJTJMA) secure an additional $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funding to complete the final phase of the Route 147 Waterline Replacement project.

Earlier phases of the project included construction of a new treatment facility, new water metering systems, and a conversion from gas to liquid chlorination to eliminate underground chlorine gas storage. The final phase will replace over two miles of deteriorating cast iron water pipes, some of which are more than 90 years old.

Addressing these aging infrastructure issues has become increasingly urgent, but recent developments complicated the path forward. In June, bids for the final phase came in $1.5 million over the available budget. Additionally, previously secured funds needed to be spent by the end of this year. Without the needed funding, only part of the project could proceed, putting the water system at continued risk.

Leveraging its expertise in community development and grant acquisition, SEDA-COG worked quickly with the Authority and other partners to identify and secure the additional funding needed to keep the project on track.

“Thanks to SEDA-COG’s decisive leadership, our project is back on track and poised to deliver lasting benefits to our community,” said Judi Deppen of the Herndon Borough–Jackson Township Joint Municipal Authority.

Deppen continued, “we couldn’t have done this without the expertise and support of SEDA-COG and project coordinator Tonia Troup, who sought solutions when none seemed available. As a small town without the resources to manage this on our own, we’re incredibly grateful. I believe other small communities like ours should know about the tremendous resources SEDA-COG offers.”

“We also couldn’t have done this without the backing of the Northumberland County Commissioners and Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver,” said Tonia Troup, SEDA-COG project coordinator. “And, of course, the quick action at the state level from DCED.”

Currently, residents experience discolored water, odor issues, and low pressure, while the current lack of reliable hydrant service forces fire crews to depend on tanker trucks from 20 minutes away. This delay can hinder emergency response efforts and increase the risk of harm during fire events.

Upon completion of the project, Herndon residents will enjoy clean, safe drinking water leading to better health, sanitation, and overall quality of life. Firefighters will have the necessary water pressure to effectively combat fires, significantly boosting public safety. Additionally, the new water lines will be more resilient to wear and tear caused by heavy-truck traffic along Route 147, ensuring the community continues to have reliable access to water.

SEDA-COG News Release

SEDA-COG News Release

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has been actively investigating the potential mismanagement of two housing rehabilitation projects under our administration in the Borough of Berwick. Since discovering the potential issues in 2024, SEDA-COG reported the concerns to Borough officials and to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (PA DCED). PA DCED conducted its own investigation, resulting in findings regarding other past contracts in SEDA-COG’s grant-funded housing rehabilitation program.

SEDA-COG has a long history of working with municipal partners to create a positive impact in the region’s communities. Over the past decade, we have managed the rehabilitation of 308 homes in 14 communities with an investment of almost $15 million. The projects affected by the DCED findings represent a small number of total contracts.

As an agency devoted to public service, we continue to remain focused on improving processes and the delivery of services to the communities and the individuals we serve. We have restructured the management of the program and are committed to working with both the PA DCED and affected municipalities to efficiently and effectively take corrective action.

The SEDA-COG Board of Directors and staff are committed to providing transparency and accountability and will continue to brief its stakeholders on our efforts to comprehensively remediate the findings.

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.

For more information, please contact Nancy Osborn, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-254-4491 x7234 or 570-768-0525 or nosborn@seda-cog.org.