News – SEDA Council of Governments

Snydertown Borough Launches New Website to Better Serve Residents

Posted on May 8, 2026May 8, 2026 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.

Public Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Flood Solutions for Bloomsburg West End

Posted on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

Bloomsburg, PA — The Columbia County Commissioners, in coordination with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), invite residents to attend a public meeting about the continuing long-term efforts to address recurring flooding in the West End of Bloomsburg and Drinker Street in Hemlock Township.

The meeting will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Bloomsburg Fire Company, 911 Market Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

The Columbia County West End Flood Mitigation Projects & Columbia County West End Flood Risk Management Systems build on previous flood studies and earlier flood wall investments, representing the next phase of work to reduce flood risks, protect homes and businesses, and strengthen critical infrastructure. The focus remains on improving safety and resilience for the community while planning responsibly for future flood events.

This meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about potential improvements and proposed projects, hear directly from the project team, ask questions, and share local knowledge, feedback, and concerns related to flooding in the project area.

Residents and stakeholders of Bloomsburg West End and Fernville areas, including property owners, business owners, and residents, are encouraged to attend.

For questions or additional information please email bloomsburgfloodproject@seda-cog.org or visit the project website at https://bit.ly/CC_BFP.

About Columbia County
Columbia County, located in north central Pennsylvania, is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners and works with local, regional, and state partners to support public services, infrastructure, and community development. 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.

SEDA-COG MPO Invites Public to Review and Comment on two transportation plans

Posted on April 23, 2026April 24, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, Pa. – The SEDA‑Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Organization (SEDA‑COG MPO) is pleased to announce the beginning of a 30‑day public review and comment period on two draft documents which cover Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties.

The public comment period for the draft 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and the draft 2027–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will run from Apr. 22, 2026 through May 22, 2026.

The draft LRTP outlines proposed transportation priorities and strategies for the eight-county SEDA‑COG MPO region and serves as an important guide for future federal, state, and local transportation investment decisions. The plan addresses a wide range of transportation needs, including for roadways and bridges , safety, freight movement, public transportation, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities across the MPO.

The draft TIP lists federally funded projects and regionally significant, non-federally funded projects programmed for implementation. The TIP helps both the transportation community and the public to track the use of state, federal, and local transportation funds. The TIP also helps MPO members, local governments, and other transportation stakeholders to establish a transportation program that implements the goals of the region’s long-range transportation plan.

The public is encouraged to review the draft documents on the projects’ websites.

LRTP: https://bit.ly/4cj4Nqm

TIP: https://bit.ly/4mBhfqh

Written comments may be submitted by email or mail to:

Kristin McLaughlin, AICP | Principal Transportation Planner
SEDA-COG MPO
201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837
kmclaughlin@seda-cog.org

To provide additional opportunities for public input, the SEDA‑COG MPO will host a public open house. The open house will allow attendees to review materials, speak with MPO staff, and share feedback on the drafts.

Draft Plan Comment Period Public Meeting

Monday, May 4
9–10 a.m. (public comment for draft TIP)
10:15–11:15 a.m. (public comment for draft LRTP)
Union County Government Center | 155 N 15th St, Lewisburg, PA 17837
Virtual option available on projects’ websites

All comments received during the public review period will be considered prior to action by the MPO. The SEDA‑COG MPO values public participation and encourages residents, stakeholders, and interested parties to help shape the region’s transportation in the future.

If anyone requires special assistance to participate, please contact Kristin McLaughlin, SEDA-COG’s project manager, at 570-524-4491.

About the SEDA-COG MPO
The SEDA-COG Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the official transportation planning organization for eight (8) Central Pennsylvania Counties (Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union), as designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Community, Leaders Celebrate Independence Street Revitalization Groundbreaking

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

Image description: Elected officials, City of Shamokin leaders, project partners, and community members participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Independence Street Streetscape Project on April 20, 2026, at the intersection of 9th Street and Independence Street.

Shamokin, PA — The City of Shamokin, in partnership with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), celebrated the groundbreaking of Phase 1 of the Independence Street Streetscape Project during a ceremony held yesterday, April 21, at the intersection of 9th Street and Independence Street.

Local, regional, and federal officials joined City leaders, project partners, and community members to mark the start of a major revitalization effort focused on improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, and the overall streetscape along this important Shamokin corridor.

“Today’s groundbreaking is another important step forward in our city’s ongoing revitalization,” stated Mayor Michael McLaughlin. He noted that the Independence Street project is one of several efforts underway across Shamokin and that, together, “we are laying the groundwork, literally and figuratively, for long-term progress.”

McLaughlin continued, “None of this happens alone, this project is a result of strong collaboration between the City of Shamokin, Congressman Meuser, Senator Culver, Representative Stehr, Commissioners Schiccatano, Klebon, and Beck, other county, state, and federal partners, SEDA-COG, and our community. It shows what is possible when we all come together. We are building momentum, project by project, towards a stronger future.”

Building on the theme of shared progress and long-term commitment, Rep. Joann Stehr emphasized the broader meaning of the milestone, stating, “Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction, it reflects real progress and a shared commitment to moving this community forward.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser also spoke during the ceremony, recognizing the importance of continued federal investment in community infrastructure projects such as the revitalization of Independence Street.

The Independence Street Streetscape Project is a key implementation effort of the GoShamokin! Revitalization Plan, a comprehensive strategy adopted by the City in 2020 to guide economic and community development.

Phase 1 construction improvements extend from 9th Street to the railroad crossing at Liberty Street and are expected to enhance pedestrian safety, accessibility, traffic flow, streetscape aesthetics, and the overall visitor experience entering downtown Shamokin.

The project was designed by Stromberg, Garrigan & Associates, with Phase 1 construction being completed by Mid-State Construction. Representatives from both firms were in attendance for the ceremony.

“This project has always been about more than sidewalks and streetscape improvements—it is about pride, opportunity, and believing in Shamokin’s future. We will keep pushing forward, keep building partnerships, and keep bringing investment into this community because Shamokin deserves nothing less,” said Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG.

Additional partners recognized during the event included Northumberland County leadership, the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, and numerous local, state, and federal supporters.

Construction is expected to begin in late April or early May.

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.