Category: Featured

PSU Awarded $600,000 Grant to Help Fund Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance

PSU Awarded $600,000 Grant to Help Fund Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

The Pennsylvania State University was awarded a $600,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant towards the creation of a Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance.

Penn State applied for the grant with the assistance from SEDA-Council of Governments. Funds are matched with over $835,000 in industry cash and in-kind as well as a University cash match.

Grant money will be used to develop a series of educational courses, workshops, and paid internships geared towards students and existing workers to prepare the next generation for this growing industry.

Silicon carbide is a compound containing silicon and carbon that occurs in nature but can also be mass-produced for high-tech electronic chip applications.

It was recently identified as a critical material for clean technologies because of its importance in enabling the delivery of electricity from power plants, solar, and wind farms. It is also critical in advancing the next generation of electric vehicles. The U.S. isn’t producing enough silicon carbide to meet demand, which is expected to be two to three times the need by 2030.

With this investment, the Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance will serve as a Pennsylvania and national resource for the silicon carbide semiconductor growth and manufacturing industry.

SEDA-COG’s Betsy Lockwood, director of project development and grants, assisted the Alliance in applying for the grant.

On one of the many benefits of the grant, Lockwood said, “This project brings together industry and academia to establish a strong semiconductor workforce development program that will attract companies from around the nation to the PA Appalachian Region.”

The Appalachian Region 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 partners with ARC 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.

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.

Shamokin Wins Townie Award

Shamokin Wins Townie Award

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

The City of Shamokin is experiencing a downtown revitalization, and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center has taken notice, bestowing the Shamokin Partnership for Revitalization with a 2024 Townie Award.

The award was presented in the area of physical improvement and design for public space improvement at Illumination Station Pocket Park.

The Townie Awards are a celebrated and long-standing tradition aimed at honoring key communities and individuals within the commonwealth who develop and execute projects, programs, and events that align with the goals of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s community revitalization mission. Nearly 200 member organizations, including those participating in Main Street and Elm Street programs, are eligible to compete for these prestigious awards, making the Townies a highly competitive annual event.

On hand to accept the award were Betsy Kramer, community revitalization manager at SEDA-Council of Governments and project manager for GoShamokin, Justin Bainbridge, downtown manager for the City of Shamokin, and Sean Garrigan of Stomberg, Garrigan & Associate.

Through its revitalization plan, GoShamokin, the Shamokin Partnership for Revitalization has already undertaken several projects that display the transformative power of community-driven initiatives, with many more projects planned.

Illumination Station Pocket Park stands as a shining example of what has already been accomplished. Located in the heart of Shamokin, this project turned two unsightly, blighted buildings into a welcoming place where individuals of all ages can gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Moreover, Illumination Station Pocket Park embodies the spirit of community collaboration. From the initial planning stages to the ongoing maintenance efforts, this project has brought together residents, local businesses, and civic organizations in a shared commitment to revitalizing the cityscape. Through their dedication and hard work, they have demonstrated what can be achieved when communities unite behind a common vision.

“This award is a testament to the Shamokin community’s remarkable spirit and resilience. Together, we’ve turned challenges into opportunities, creating spaces like Illumination Station Pocket Park that infuse joy and vitality into the downtown of Shamokin,” remarked Betsy Kramer, community revitalization program manager at SEDA-COG.

“As downtown manager for the City of Shamokin, this recognition from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center motivates us to continue our work in making Shamokin a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place for all,” said Justin Bainbridge.

“The prestigious Townie Award from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center speaks to the great achievements that the City of Shamokin and all of its community partners have been able to accomplish. Illumination Station represents one more step in the growing vibrancy of Downtown Shamokin,” Sean Garrigan of Stromberg, Garrigan & Associates stated.

The community of Shamokin not only has plans for the repurposing and reuse of other vacant properties throughout the city but also the incorporation of a “Complete Streets” strategy. This strategy considers safe access to streets for all people who need to use them, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.

The Shamokin Partnership for Revitalization was established in 2018 between the City of Shamokin, SEDA-COG, and Shamokin Area Businesses for Economic Revitalization (SABER). As the revitalization has evolved, the city was able to forge a new partnership with the Shamokin Area Economic Development Authority (SAEDA) and bring onboard a new downtown manager, Justin Bainbridge in 2024.

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 eleven 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.

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities

SEDA-COG Secures $1.5 Million EPA Coalition Grant for Brownfield Assessments

SEDA-COG Secures $1.5 Million EPA Coalition Grant for Brownfield Assessments

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

SEDA-Council of Governments is proud to announce the successful award of a $1.5 million EPA Coalition Grant. This grant is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s investing in America agenda, which is providing over $300 million in grants to help states, Tribal Nations, local governments, and non-profit organizations assess and clean up polluted brownfield sites across the country.

The $1.5 million grant secured by SEDA-COG is designated for environmental assessments throughout an 11-county region in central Pennsylvania. The grant aims to provide thorough environmental assessments and reuse plans for brownfield properties, which are defined as properties that may have complications due to the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

The funds will become available on October 1, 2024. At that time, a Qualified Environmental Professional will be selected, with projects expected to begin in early 2025. Priority projects, identified in the grant application, are located in the coalition lead counties of Clinton, Mifflin, and Northumberland.

“This grant is a major step forward in revitalizing our region,” said Betsy Kramer, Community Revitalization Program Manager of SEDA-COG. “By addressing and mitigating environmental concerns on brownfield sites, we can pave the way for new developments, improve public health, and enhance the overall quality of life in our communities.”

The successful application and award of this grant highlight the collaborative efforts of the planning directors and commissioners of the lead counties, whose assistance was crucial in securing this funding. This achievement marks the third highly competitive EPA Brownfield Grant secured by the SEDA-COG Community Revitalization team since 2021, bringing the total EPA funds received to $2.8 million.

What This Grant Means for Our Region:

Revitalization and Economic Growth: This funding will enable the transformation of previously unusable land into valuable community assets, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. New developments such as diversifying downtown businesses and creating new affordable housing opportunities are key anticipated outcomes.

Public Health and Quality of Life: By addressing environmental concerns, we can improve public health and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents.

Infrastructure Connectivity: The project will capitalize on and connect with existing infrastructure such as biking and pedestrian trails, parks, and downtown revitalization initiatives.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the planning directors and commissioners of Mifflin, Clinton, and Northumberland counties for their unwavering support and collaboration in this endeavor,” added Frankie Cabradilla Hockenbrocht, Community Capacity Coordinator of SEDA-COG. “Their efforts have been instrumental in securing this transformative funding for our region. We also thank the talented and intelligent team at SEDA-COG, who are doing inspiring work in our communities every day.”

For more information about this grant and its impact on our region, please contact:

Betsy Kramer
Community Revitalization
SEDA-COG
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
(570) 524-4491
bkramer@seda-cog.org

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.

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities

Request for Proposals: Call For Subcontractors

Request for Proposals: Call For Subcontractors

Posted on by DNS Admin

Call for Subcontractors

FOR QUALIFIED RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, HVAC, ASBESTOS ABATEMENT, MOLD REMOVAL, RADON MITIGATION, DRYWALLERS AND ROOFERS.

Project: WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For ongoing services in Columbia, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lycoming, Luzerne, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, and Union counties.

This project is fully supported by grant funds that are administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG).

Scope of Work
SEDA-COG is seeking to establish and maintain a list of qualified contractors who can perform and install electrical, heat system repair and replacement measures, radon mitigation, mold removal, asbestos abatement, drywall, and minor roofing repairs in program‐eligible homes located in Columbia, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lycoming, Luzerne, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, and Union counties. The Agency reserves the right to accept or reject contractors for the contract year based on the number of active contractors already in its contractor pool. Professional Service contractors (electricians, plumbers, HVAC, radon mitigators, asbestos abatement contractors, mold removal contractors, drywallers, and roofing contractors) will submit hourly billing rate information as part of the RFP. The duration of a contract awarded as a result of this Proposal will be for one year from November 1, 2024 through October 31, 2025.

Subcontractors that demonstrate qualifications and meet all the requirements will be considered a qualified contractor and may be eligible for a contract to provide services as required by SEDA-COG. Subcontractors SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE for third party post-installation inspections of the work completed, if applicable. Being on the contractor list and having an active contract DOES NOT guarantee any work.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CONSIDERATION:

  •  Subcontractors wishing to be considered for Weatherization work must submit Subcontractor Information Form and executed Agreement for Subcontractor Services for Activities.
  •  Subcontractors will be required to carry all applicable certifications required to perform their applicable scope of work.
  •  It is required that all prospective Subcontractors visit the following websites and read the Core Competencies for the Weatherization Assistance Program prior to requesting program participation. The document provides guidance for the Subcontractor of the expectations and standards required for participation in the Weatherization program. The website is located at https://nascsp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/wap-core-competencies.pdf.
  •  Also, the Standard Weatherization Specifications may be found at https://sws.nrel.gov/. Subcontractors working this program will be held to these standard requirements. All work performed under this contract will be subject to a Quality Control Inspection by a SEDA-COG inspector and held to the standards set forth by the Standard Weatherization Specifications as stated above. Installation or repair services must pass the SEDA-COG Quality Control Inspection and if applicable, receive all third-party inspection approvals prior to the release of any payment for the services rendered by the contractor.
  •  Any Subcontractor who is found listed on the Federal Debarment List will not be allowed to participate.
  •  Subcontractors will be required to carry Commercial General Liability Insurance with SEDA-COG listed as a certificate holder and additional insured as follows: $1,000,000 each occurrence, $1,000,000 personal and advertising injury, $2,000,000 Products-Complete Operations, and $2,000,000 Aggregate Limit. Contractors shall also be listed as a PA Home Improvement Contractor licensee through the Office of the Attorney General.
  •  Once a Subcontractor is accepted, they are subject to all the terms and conditions of the contracts obtained by SEDA-COG. Those terms and conditions become an addendum to SEDA-COG’s contract with the Subcontractor and/or its contractor(s).
  •  The Subcontractor is required to submit detailed analysis, testing, photos, and documentation to SEDA-COG. Per state guidelines, SEDA-COG is required to receive detailed invoicing for any services provided.
  •  Inquiries should be directed to Christine Bohart, WX Assistant at 570-522-7219. Application information can be found on our website @www.SEDA-COG.org, Request for Proposals / Quotes sections. They may also be picked up at our Weatherization office at 201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 or 598 South Juniata Street, Lewistown PA 17044.

All proposals will need to be submitted in a sealed envelope and delivered either by mail or in person to SEDA-COG WX, 201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 by Friday, October 18th, 2024, no later than 2:00pm and shall be marked, “WX Subcontractor Work”.

All submitted applications will become the exclusive property of SEDA-COG.