Category: News

• All eight pump station roof replacements completed
• City continues electrical improvements
• Advances relief well engineering under $10.7 million federal project

Williamsport, PA – The City of Williamsport and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) are pleased to announce significant progress on the approximately $10.7 million FY2023 Legislative Pre-Disaster Mitigation (LPDM) Levee Improvement Project, including the successful completion of all eight pump station roof replacements, continued advancement of electrical infrastructure improvements, and progress toward the next phase of relief well engineering.

Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization & Flood Resiliency at SEDA-COG, provided an update on the project during the Williamsport City Council meeting on Thursday, November 5, highlighting recent construction milestones, ongoing engineering efforts, and continued coordination with state and federal partners.

All Eight Pump Station Roof Replacements Completed

One of the project’s most significant accomplishments is the completion of roof replacements at all eight pump stations included in the project scope.

Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. (WTI), working through the Keystone Purchasing Network (KPN), successfully completed the roof replacements, representing a major construction milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve critical flood protection infrastructure.

Additional stabilization activities are underway as the project team continues coordinating remaining work.

The improvements are part of a broader effort to strengthen the reliability and long-term performance of infrastructure supporting the Greater Williamsport Area levee system.

Electrical Infrastructure Improvements Moving Forward

The project is also advancing improvements to electrical infrastructure at the City’s levee pump stations.

Following Williamsport City Council’s approval of the electrical construction contract in August 2026, Lecce Electric began coordinating project implementation with Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI), the City’s construction management and inspection consultant.

The improvements are intended to address critical electrical infrastructure needs at the pump stations and support the continued operation and reliability of the levee system.

GPI, Lecce Electric, the City, and SEDA-COG continue coordinating construction scheduling, contractor requirements, federal compliance, and implementation activities.
AECOM Advances Relief Well Engineering

Another major component of the project involves engineering improvements to the levee system’s relief wells, which play an important role in managing groundwater pressure and seepage associated with high-water events.

During the November 5 City Council meeting, Kramer also discussed a proposed engineering scope submitted by AECOM for the next phase of the relief well replacement initiative.

AECOM’s proposal, dated October 13, 2026, includes approximately 25 geotechnical borings, 10 test and pumping wells, pumping tests, seepage and stability analyses, and the development of engineering plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates.

The proposed engineering approach has been submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for review and concurrence.

The technical investigations and engineering work will help establish the appropriate relief well replacement strategy, refine construction requirements, and develop the information necessary to advance future construction.

Approximately $1.75 million in Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding has been identified for relief well construction. Additional engineering and cost development will help determine the full construction funding requirements and guide the pursuit of supplemental funding opportunities.

Federal Grant Extension Provides Additional Implementation Time

The City also recently received confirmation that the FY2023 LPDM grant’s Period of Performance amendment was formally executed, extending the project through April 30, 2028. The extension provides additional time to complete the remaining construction and engineering activities while maintaining coordination with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and USACE.

SEDA-COG continues serving as the City’s grant administrator, supporting project coordination, federal compliance, financial documentation, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

Regional Flood Protection and Economic Resiliency

The Greater Williamsport Area levee system is a critical component of the region’s flood protection infrastructure, supporting the safety and resiliency of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, businesses, and essential community assets.

The ongoing improvements are part of a broader regional effort to rehabilitate and strengthen the levee system and support its long-term certification.

In September, representatives from the City of Williamsport and SEDA-COG showcased the project during the Pennsylvania Silver Jackets Flood Resiliency Projects Tour. The Northeast Williamsport Levee and Hepburn Street Pump Station served as the tour’s first stop, providing state and federal flood resiliency partners with an opportunity to observe project progress firsthand.

The initiative was also highlighted during the September Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce breakfast, emphasizing the connection between flood protection infrastructure, community resiliency, and regional economic stability.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming months, the City and its project partners will continue advancing pump station electrical improvements, completing remaining stabilization activities, coordinating AECOM’s relief well engineering approach with USACE, and managing the federal grant requirements associated with the project.

The City and SEDA-COG remain committed to working with PEMA, FEMA, USACE, engineering consultants, construction contractors, and legislative partners to advance these important infrastructure improvements.

#

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is a regional public development organization serving 11 counties in central Pennsylvania. Through its Community Revitalization & Flood Resiliency program and other regional initiatives, SEDA-COG works with municipalities and community partners to advance infrastructure investment, economic development, community revitalization, and long-term resiliency.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Gabriela Huerta
Marketing and Communications Manager
(570) 524 4491 x 7234
ghuerta@seda-cog.org

$187,100 and $19,500 respectively
SEDA-COG will use the grant to prepare a multi-county Greenway Plan
Mount Carmel Borough will use its funds to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for Oak Street Park

Lewisburg, PA –SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), a community and economic development agency serving Central Pennsylvania, will receive $187,100 from a Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grant, while Mount Carmel Borough, in Northumberland County will receive $19,500.

The grants, funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), looks to fund projects that help communities improve parks and playgrounds, build and repair trails, conserve open space, restore rivers and watersheds, and grow local economies through outdoor recreation.

“Pennsylvania’s parks and trails give us a place to make memories with our families, take a breath and lower our blood pressure, and just enjoy nature,” said Governor Shapiro.

“These awards help us move community priorities toward reality – from connecting trails, parks and downtowns across four counties to envisioning a welcoming neighborhood park in Mount Carmel. Thoughtful planning gives our communities a stronger foundation to pursue funding and create places that serve residents, attract visitors and support local businesses. We’re grateful for the investment and the partnerships making this work possible,” said Betsy Kramer, Director of Community Revitalization & Resiliency at SEDA-COG.

SEDA-COG will use the grant to prepare a multi-county Greenway Plan for Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder counties, while Mount Carmel Borough, Northumberland County will use its funds to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 0.26-acre Oak Street Park which will establish a framework for the site’s future development as a neighborhood recreation and gathering space, with an electronic written report and site development drawing.

Supported by SEDA-COG, Mount Carmel Borough’s planning effort will help them evaluate community needs, establish design priorities and prepare for future funding opportunities. The work complements ongoing environmental assessment through EPA brownfields resources, helping coordinate site investigation with park planning and future redevelopment.

“The project advances Mount Carmel’s broader revitalization efforts by laying the groundwork for a welcoming public space that benefits residents and strengthens the surrounding neighborhood,” added Kramer.

On behalf of Mount Carmel Borough, SEDA-COG has also applied for matching funds through DCED Act 13 Greenway Recreation Trail Program (GTRP) to support this project and they are awaiting the award announcement.

###

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 which include Grant Assistance for Communities & Nonprofit Organizations.