Category: Featured

$777,500 Awarded for Sullivan County Sewer Project

$777,500 Awarded for Sullivan County Sewer Project

Posted on by DNS Admin

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

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

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.

Snydertown Borough Launches New Website to Better Serve Residents

Snydertown Borough Launches New Website to Better Serve Residents

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Image description: Homepage of the Snydertown Borough website.

Lewisburg, PA — Snydertown Borough is a small rural community of approximately 380 residents in Northumberland County. The borough launched its first fully functional website in March with support from the SEDA-COG ITG program. The new website is designed to provide borough residents quick and easy access to information, forms, and upcoming events.

Prior to the website launch, residents who needed a copy of a borough ordinance, form, or permit had to call or stop by the borough office, which has limited hours of operation.  They then had to wait to receive the requested information or form by mail or email.  Residents now have immediate online access to information, which also reduces borough administrative costs. With the new website, residents can easily access forms and other important and informational resources, as well as current and previous year’s council meeting agendas and minutes. 

The idea of creating a website was first discussed over 10 years ago, but the effort never progressed into a usable site. The project gained momentum earlier this year when council members reached out to SEDA-COG ITG for assistance.

Council members were pleased with how quickly the website launched. “We wanted this for over 10 years,” said council member Steve Wilson. “Within a month of our first contact, it was up and running. Our council and residents are very happy with the results.”

Wilson said the borough has received very positive feedback from residents, especially regarding access to building/zoning information. Residents planning home or property improvements, or simply have questions regarding what is or is not permitted, can now easily locate the ordinance, forms, and guidance they need online.  “Zoning has its own page on the website, and it should prove to be a great asset,” Wilson said.

While the current focus is on providing access to information, borough officials see potential for the website to support additional services over time as needs and resources are evaluated.

As part of the project, SEDA-COG ITG provided technical setup, website design, and hands-on training to support the borough’s launch. The focus was not only on building the site, but also on ensuring borough staff could confidently manage and update content going forward.

By the end of the project, Snydertown Borough was equipped to maintain the website independently and continue expanding its online presence as community needs evolve.

Wilson offered advice for other municipalities considering a website launch. “Move forward with it,” he said. “Review the information, documents, and other resources you have, determine your residents’ needs to access those resources, and take the next step. It is affordable, timely, and will have a significant positive impact on your community.”

Visit the Snydertown Borough’s website at https://snydertownpa.org/.

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.

Public Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Flood Solutions for Bloomsburg West End

Public Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Flood Solutions for Bloomsburg West End

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Bloomsburg, PA — The Columbia County Commissioners, in coordination with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), invite residents to attend a public meeting about the continuing long-term efforts to address recurring flooding in the West End of Bloomsburg and Drinker Street in Hemlock Township.

The meeting will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Bloomsburg Fire Company, 911 Market Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

The Columbia County West End Flood Mitigation Projects & Columbia County West End Flood Risk Management Systems build on previous flood studies and earlier flood wall investments, representing the next phase of work to reduce flood risks, protect homes and businesses, and strengthen critical infrastructure. The focus remains on improving safety and resilience for the community while planning responsibly for future flood events.

This meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about potential improvements and proposed projects, hear directly from the project team, ask questions, and share local knowledge, feedback, and concerns related to flooding in the project area.

Residents and stakeholders of Bloomsburg West End and Fernville areas, including property owners, business owners, and residents, are encouraged to attend.

For questions or additional information please email bloomsburgfloodproject@seda-cog.org or visit the project website at https://bit.ly/CC_BFP.

About Columbia County
Columbia County, located in north central Pennsylvania, is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners and works with local, regional, and state partners to support public services, infrastructure, and community development. 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.