Featured – Page 28 – SEDA Council of Governments

SEDA-COG offers American Rescue Plan revenue loss calculation assistance to local municipalities

Posted on September 29, 2021 by DNS Admin

In early March 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law. As part of the Act, local counties and municipalities received stimulus funding. Immediately after the interim rule governing the regulations of ARPA were released, SEDA-COG staff became students of the applicable federal requirements to assist local governments and ensure the funds are administered in compliance with regulation. One of the immediate needs for many ARPA recipients is to calculate the revenue loss realized during the pandemic. SEDA-COG is pleased to offer revenue loss calculation services to our region.

According to Kim Wheeler, SEDA-COG’s executive director, “As Central PA’s regional community and economic development agency, it is our normal job to work with both the federal and state governments to bring the needed financial, human, and technical resources to the 295 communities of our region. But in moments of crisis, whether it is a natural disaster or public health crisis such as a pandemic, we exist and stand ready to serve as a support system for those in need in our 11-county region. It’s in our mission to be an extension of services for our counties and municipalities. Therefore, it was a natural role for SEDA-COG staff to immerse themselves into the legislation so that we can provide technical assistance, including determining how we can calculate the revenue loss for our municipalities,” stated Wheeler.

If municipalities and counties are seeking assistance they should contact, Kristen Moyer, SEDA-COG’s community relations director, at kmoyer@seda-cog.org or 570-522-7212.

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

Housing rehabilitation work offers opportunity for general contractors for Sullivan County

Posted on September 20, 2021 by DNS Admin

Contractor work may include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon mitigation, energy-related improvements, and, if they have certain certifications, lead-based paint mitigation.

Housing rehabilitation bids funded with Community Development Block Grant funds typically range from $20,000 to $65,000, with timely payment to contractors.

Sullivan County and SEDA-COG strive to work with local contractors to invest in the local economy, said Teri Provost, director of SEDA-COG’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“Not only do these grant awards benefit the community and homeowners, but the local economy as we seek to work with local general contractors to perform this work,” Provost said.

This means work flexibility for contractors, Provost said.

“Contractors can choose where they want to work, so there’s tremendous work flexibility,” Provost said. “Additionally, our work is year-round, so we offer a steady flow of projects. And if they don’t want to perform lead-based paint mitigation, we don’t require that certification for lead-free homes.”

Interested contractors also have the option of meeting one-on-one with SEDA-COG to answer any questions they may have. SEDA-COG streamlines the process for contractors with a rehabilitation specialist assigned to each community.

For more information, contact SEDA-COG’s Danielle King at 570-524-4491 or dking@seda-cog.org.

Planners seek feedback on CSVT special impact study findings and recommendations

Posted on September 1, 2021September 1, 2021 by DNS Admin

Area transportation leaders are inviting the public to share feedback on the potential transportation and land use impacts of the new Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation (CSVT) project along the Interstate 180 (I-180), US 15, and PA 147 corridors.

“We initiated the CSVT Special Impact Study as a proactive evaluation of potential impacts of the new thruway on regional land use growth and transportation systems within Lycoming, Northumberland, and Union counties. It identifies strategies for addressing those impacts,” said Scott Williams, a transportation planner with the Lycoming County Planning Commission.

The study’s action plan establishes priorities and initiatives for the region as both sections of the CSVT project become open to traffic by 2027. The action plan includes the formation of a new task force of regional planners and stakeholders that will help manage the implementation of the study’s recommendations.

Two Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) within the study area are driving the study process: Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS) and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG). WATS MPO, which serves Lycoming County, is spearheading the effort in coordination with SEDA-COG and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
“The study will be completed later this fall and will include recommendations to address forecasted impacts on highway safety, traffic operations, land use, and economic development,” said Williams. “We are identifying these strategic actions and initiatives now so the CSVT project can not only improve mobility through our region but be a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and community development.”

“Planning for the outcomes of the CSVT project is a vitally important part of our planning program,” said James Saylor, Transportation Planning Program Director of SEDA-COG. “The full extent of CSVT’s impacts may be unknown to us at this time, but this study has helped us obtain a sense of the challenges that our communities may face. Our partnerships and collaboration with the public, our municipalities, and local stakeholders play a very important role in helping us monitor the changes that may occur as the CSVT project is completed.” Elected officials, area legislators, regional stakeholders, and the public are invited to provide feedback on the study’s preliminary results on Monday, September 13, 2021. A briefing for elected officials and legislators will be held at 4:00 pm, followed by an open public meeting at 6:00 pm. The meeting agenda will include an overview of the study’s analyses of growth and development potential, highway safety, and traffic operations, as well as proposed recommendations.

The dial-in information for the Monday, September 13, 2021 virtual meeting is below:

Dial-in Number: 1 (267) 332-8737
Conference Code: 926 689 24#
For more information on how to connect to the virtual public meeting and for information on planning efforts related to CSVT, please visit http://www.lyco.org/CSVT.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Scott Williams
Transportation Supervisor/WATS MPO
Lycoming County Planning and Community Development Department
Email: swilliams@lyco.org
Phone: (570) 320-2138

James Saylor, P.E., PTOE
Program Director – Transportation Planning SEDA-Council of Governments
Email: jsaylor@seda-cog.org
Phone: (570) 524-4491 ex. 7238

About Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS)
The Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a single county MPO covering Lycoming County. Its mission is to provide a safe, reliable, efficient, environmentally sound, and socially equitable transportation system – including air, rails, roads, bridges, public transit, and trails that enhance Lycoming County’s economic vitality and quality of life. Together with PennDOT, the WATS MPO is responsible for planning for Lycoming County’s transportation systems through the development of a Long-Range Transportation
Plan (LRTP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

About SEDA-COG
The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG)’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also advocates for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels.

For more information, please contact Kristen Moyer, communications manager, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7212 or kmoyer@seda-cog.org

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities

Juniata County residents may receive no-cost home repairs

Posted on August 19, 2021August 19, 2021 by DNS Admin

Residents should apply now for wait list

Homeowners in the County limits of Juniata County may be eligible to receive up to $65,000 in home improvements from the HOME Existing Owner-Occupied Housing Program.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is encouraging county residents to apply now to get on the wait list. SEDA-COG manages the program on behalf of the County.

Interested residents may call SEDA-COG’s Stacy Anderson at 800-326-9310, ext. 7215.

Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements. Also included are modifications for mobility-impaired residents. There is no cost to homeowners who maintain home residency over a five-year period from the date of contract signing.

Homeowners can go through the process hassle-free with SEDA-COG managing it from start to finish, said Teri Provost, director of the agency’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“Eligible homeowners can enjoy a rehabilitated home at no cost to them while we help them from start to finish, from obtaining a contractor, managing the project, to anything that may arise during or after the rehabilitation process,” Provost said.

“The Board of Commissioners encourages interested homeowners to contact SEDA-COG.” “This is an excellent opportunity for eligible homeowners to make significant repairs to their homes,” stated the Juniata County Commissioners.

Qualifications:

The home must be located within the County limits;
Own the home or have Life Rights to live in it;
Meet income qualifications based on household size;
Be current on local taxes and municipal utility bills;
Provide proof of homeowner’s insurance;
If located in a flood zone, provide proof of flood insurance;
Live in the home an additional five years.
Additional requirements may apply.

Annual Gross Income Limits:

Family size:

1 – $38,200;
2 – $43,650;
3 – $49,100;
4 – $54,550;
5 – $58,950