Category: News

SEDA-COG Financing Assists Masonry Preservation Services Expansion in Bloomsburg

Posted on by DNS Admin

Lewisburg, Pa. – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) recently assisted Masonry Preservation Services, Inc. (MPS) with financing through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), helping the company purchase and renovate a property in Bloomsburg for its new headquarters.

Working in partnership with Journey Bank, SEDA-COG provided financing that enabled MPS owners Erik Valentino and Scott Siegfried to acquire and improve the property to meet the company’s operational needs.

Founded in 1985, MPS specializes in the restoration and preservation of historic and architecturally significant buildings throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The company has completed projects at Geisinger Medical Center’s Danville campus, the F.M. Kirby Center, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, as well as numerous museums, churches, courthouses, and universities. MPS has earned a reputation for quality restoration, façade maintenance, and building envelope diagnostics.

“SEDA-COG was proud to work alongside Journey Bank to deliver financing that supports Masonry Preservation Services’ expansion in Bloomsburg,” said SEDA-COG Business Finance Relationship Manager John Reichard. “By combining resources, we helped position MPS for continued growth while strengthening its presence in the region. We appreciate the partnership with Journey Bank and congratulate the MPS team on this exciting achievement.”

“Journey Bank is always ready to assist our customers in the best way possible,” said David Utt, AVP Commercial Lender at Journey Bank. “When Masonry Preservation Services was ready to expand, purchasing property and renovations were needed to accommodate their corporate plan. Partnering with SEDA-COG through the SSBCI program was the best financing solution for this project. MPS is now well-positioned to operate more effectively from its new headquarters for years to come.”

For more information about SEDA-COG’s business financing programs, contact John Reichard at jreichard@seda-cog.org or Brooks Luzier at bluzier@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.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Amanda Owens
Chief Human Resources Officer, SEDA-COG
570-524-4491
aowens@seda-cog.org

$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.