Category: News

Image courtesy of Stromberg, Garrigan & Associates. Preliminary rendering of Independence Street between 8th Street and Liberty Street, illustrating the proposed Phase 2 streetscape improvements.

Lewisburg, PA — With assistance from SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), the City of Shamokin has been awarded $250,000 through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) to further advance the Independence Street Streetscape Project, a major downtown revitalization and pedestrian safety initiative.

The grant award was announced Jan. 21 as part of a $279 million investment by Pennsylvania to improve infrastructure and strengthen communities across the Commonwealth. The funding will build on previously secured federal investments and help continue work on a streetscape plan for the entire corridor.

During Phase 1, engineering and design were completed for the full Independence Street corridor, from Market Street to Shamokin Street. The work was completed by Stromberg Garrigan & Associates using $2.675 million in federal funding, which also supports construction of Phase 1.

The CFA MTF funding will support Phase 2 improvements along Independence Street between 8th Street and Liberty Street.

SEDA‑COG prepared and submitted the application on behalf of the city and will provide ongoing technical assistance and grant administration for the project.

The effort received support from local and state officials.

“This investment will help Shamokin keep moving forward with a project that improves daily life for residents and strengthens the downtown,” said Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver. Culver continued, “Independence Street is an important corridor, and these updates will make it safer and easier for people to walk, shop, and access local businesses. I appreciate the work the City has put into planning and leveraging other funding so this grant can have the greatest impact.”

“This funding will help address real, everyday needs in Shamokin—safer sidewalks, improved crossings, and better accessibility for residents of all ages and abilities. Investments like this strengthen downtowns and make our communities more livable,” said Representative Joanne Stehr.

This investment represents another important step forward in Shamokin’s long-term effort to rebuild its downtown, improve walkability, and create a safer, more accessible community for residents, businesses, and visitors.

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.

Photo courtesy of Larson Design Group. Preliminary rendering showing the Volunteer Park plan and walking bridge.

Lewisburg, PA — With the assistance from SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), the City of Shamokin has been awarded a $248,400 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) to support the construction of a pedestrian connector bridge at Volunteer Park.

The project will connect Claude Kehler Park to downtown, improving access to recreational spaces and supporting safe, walkable infrastructure in the City. It aligns with the broader vision of the Volunteer Park Master Plan and the Connector Bridge Feasibility Study, completed in 2025 with partial funding from DCNR C2P2.

These grant funds represent 50 percent of the estimated cost for the new bridge, and the project will continue to seek funding for the remaining portion.

This project is a cornerstone in our broader downtown revitalization and recreation access efforts,” said Betsy Kramer, program manager for Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG. “Securing this competitive DCNR grant underscores the City’s momentum in creating a more vibrant, connected community.”

The grant was announced as part of an $82 million investment by the Commonwealth on Jan. 12, 2026.

“The outdoors are for everyone—whether you enjoy spending time at a local park, out on the water, or on a trail—every Pennsylvanian deserves access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces close to home,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.

The DCNR C2P2 program supports recreation, park, and conservation projects across Pennsylvania. Funding for this award is drawn from several sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, and federal sources such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Recreational Trails Program.

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.

Lewisburg, PA — The City of Williamsport, in partnership with the SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), is advancing critical flood mitigation and infrastructure resilience efforts through the release of professional services procurements associated with the Williamsport Levee project.

The City is seeking qualified firms through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering and design services and a Request for Proposals (RFP) for construction engineering oversight and inspection services. These procurements represent an important step toward the continued rehabilitation and long-term reliability of the Williamsport Levee system, a key piece of infrastructure that protects residents, businesses, and public assets.

Both the RFQ and RFP are being advertised concurrently and follow the same schedule. Proposals are being accepted electronically, and submissions are due Feb. 18, 2026, at 4 p.m.

“This project reflects the City’s commitment to proactive flood risk reduction and responsible infrastructure investment,” said Valerie Fessler, Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development in Williamsport. “By engaging qualified engineering professionals early in the process, we are positioning the project for long-term success while maintaining transparency and compliance with federal and state requirements.”

The Williamsport Levee project is supported through FEMA Legislative Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant funding and is being administered in coordination with SEDA-COG to ensure adherence to all applicable procurement, environmental, and grant compliance standards.

Procurement documents are available at https://seda-cog.org/request-for-proposals/ and will be shared through SEDA-COG’s social media channels. Interested firms are encouraged to review the materials carefully and submit any questions in accordance with the published timelines.

For additional information about the project or procurement process, please contact: Betsy Kramer
Program Manager, Community Revitalization, SEDA-COG
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.