News – Page 13 – SEDA Council of Governments

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

Posted on June 7, 2024April 7, 2026 by DNS Admin

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

SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation Secures $1,350,000 Grant for Georgetown Heights Elderly Housing Complex Improvements

Posted on October 23, 2023June 1, 2026 by DNS Admin

Dalmatia, PA– The SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is thrilled to announce the securing of a $1,350,000 Housing Options grant funds from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, aimed at facilitating crucial improvements to the Georgetown Heights elderly housing complex located at 113 Georgetown Heights, Dalmatia.

Investing in Our Elderly Community
Georgetown Heights, operating under Dalmatia Elderly Housing Associates, L.P., is a pivotal 3-story housing complex, spanning 26,523 square feet and comprising 24 apartments (2 two-bedroom and 22 one-bedroom units). This grant will be instrumental in implementing several enhancements to the facility, ensuring it continues to provide a secure, comfortable, and accessible living environment for its residents while meeting current ADA compliance standards.

SEDA-COG manages Georgetown Heights on behalf of the HDC. Leslie Osgood, chief of the SEDA-COG’s rental housing department stated, “We are thrilled and honored to receive the $1,350,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency for Georgetown Heights in Dalmatia. This funding will enable us to make significant improvements to the property, including replacing the roof, installing new HVAC systems, and upgrading apartments and community areas to meet current ADA compliance standards. If any funds remain, our goal is to further enhance sustainability by installing solar panels, making Georgetown Heights a potential net-zero energy building. We are committed to creating a safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly community for our residents.”

A Commitment to Quality Living and Environmental Sustainability
The grant funds will be judiciously utilized to replace the roof, install new HVAC systems, and upgrade apartments and community areas. Furthermore, in a bid to promote environmental sustainability and potentially establish the site as a net-zero energy building, any remaining funds will be allocated towards the installation of solar panels.

About SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation
SEDA-COG’s Housing Development Corporation provides and maintains quality, safe, accessible, and affordable housing options for SEDA-COG’s 11-county region elderly population.

About the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state. Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, it has generated more than $17.6 billion of funding for more than 195,250 single family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 103,328 rental units, distributed approximately $239 million to support local housing initiatives, and saved the homes of more than 50,860 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars. The agency is governed by a 14-member board.

For more information, please contact Kristen Moyer, Chief of Staff, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7212 or kmoyer@seda-cog.org

Borough of Milton Looking to Expand Waitlist for Housing Rehabilitation Grant 

Posted on June 19, 2023June 19, 2023 by DNS Admin

News Release
June 20, 2023

The Borough of Milton recently received a $500,000 housing rehabilitation grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Interested residents who live within the Borough limits should apply now to get on the waiting list for the no-cost repairs.

Qualified residents may receive up to $65,000 each for home repairs. The Borough will provide up to $50,000, as a no-interest loan, which will be forgiven if the property is not sold or transferred for at least five years after the rehabilitation is complete. The Borough shall also provide an additional $15,000 in funding that will be used to do rehabilitation work related to lead-based paint abatement or mitigation, as required.

Interested residents may call SEDA-Council of Governments’ (SEDA-COG) Ruth Wiest at 570-524-4491 Ext. 7252.

Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements.

Modifications for mobility-impaired residents are also eligible within this program. Homeowners must maintain home residency over a five-year period from the date of signing for this service to be received at no cost.

“SEDA-COG manages the entire process for the homeowner,” said Joel Ruch, Housing Rehabilitation Manager of the agency’s Community Services Division.

Ruch continued, “Not only does the homeowner get necessary home repairs, but they also get the benefit of going through the process hassle-free as we manage the logistics from start to finish.”

Qualifications:

• Must live in the Borough limits of Milton;
• Own the home or have Life Rights to live in it;
• Meet income qualifications based on household size;
• Be current on all local taxes and municipal utility bills;
• Provide proof of homeowner’s insurance;
• If located in a flood zone, must provide proof of flood insurance;
• Live in the home an additional five years.
• Additional requirements may apply.

Annual Gross Income Limits:

Family size: 1 – $43,250; 2 – $49,400; 3 – $55,600; 4 – $61.750; 5 – $66,700; 6 – $71,650; 7 – $76,600; 8 – $81,550.

For more information, please contact Kristen Moyer, chief of staff, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7212 or kmoyer@seda-cog.org

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities
www.seda-cog.org

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority Celebrates 40 Years of Service: A Milestone for Local Short-Line Railroad

Posted on June 7, 2023June 7, 2023 by DNS Admin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2023

LEWISBURG, PA – SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA), a leading short-line railroad serving 9 counties in Central Pennsylvania proudly announces its momentous achievement of 40 years of dedicated service. Established in 1983, the JRA has been an integral part of the local transportation industry, providing reliable rail freight services and fostering economic growth throughout the region through its private-public partnership with the North Shore Railroad. Consisting of 6 shortline railroads, the JRA serves over 100 customers, and in 2022 rail traffic topped 21,000 carloads.

As the JRA commemorates this significant milestone, it reflects on four decades of exceptional service, growth, and contributions to the communities it serves. With over 200 miles of rail lines spanning 9 counties, including Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union. The JRA has been a vital link in rail transportation infrastructure, facilitating the movement of goods, and supporting the local economy.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 40 years as an organization,” said Steven Beattie, Executive Director of the Joint Rail Authority. “Throughout the years, our dedicated team and our operator, the North Shore Railroad, have worked tirelessly to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions to our customers. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the communities we serve, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to excellence for many years to come.”

The JRA’s impact on the local economy has been significant, fostering job creation, attracting new industries, and supporting the growth of existing businesses. By providing a reliable and cost-effective rail transportation alternative, the short-line railroad has helped reduce congestion on roadways, lower carbon emissions, and enhance supply chain efficiency.

Over the years, the JRA has built strong partnerships with local businesses, industries, and agricultural producers, becoming an essential component of their success. By offering efficient freight services, the railroad has facilitated the movement of a wide range of goods, including raw materials, agricultural products, finished goods, and more.

To learn more about SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority’s 40 years of service and its ongoing commitment to the local community, please visit www.sedacograil.org or contact Steven Beattie, Joint Rail Authority Executive Director at (570) 524-4491.

About SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority’s mission is to preserve and foster rail service in Central Pennsylvania and to further economic development through retention, improvement and expansion of the infrastructure and the rail service it supports.

For more information, please contact Kristen Moyer, chief of staff, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7212 or kmoyer@seda-cog.org

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities
www.seda-cog.org