Public Meeting Opportunity Preliminary Findings of Flood Mitigation Studies in Columbia County

The Columbia County Commissioners are holding another round of public meetings for all residents, businesses, and municipal officials to learn more about the Fishing Creek Watershed and West End flood mitigation studies. The meetings will be held at separate locations:

Tuesday, November 30th starting at 6:30PM – Fishing Creek Flood Mitigation Study
Held in the Large Meeting Room, 702 Sawmill Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815. Entrance for the meeting room is at the rear of the building.

Wednesday, December 1st starting at 6:30PM – West End Flood Mitigation Study
Held at the Bloomsburg Fire Department, 911 Market Street, Bloomsburg, PA.

Reservations can be accepted online at https://seda-cog.org/events/event/fishing-creek-flood-mitigation-study/ and https://seda-cog.org/events/event/west-end-flood-mitigation-study/ or by calling, Flood Resiliency Program Analyst Geralee Zeigler, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) at 570-522-7218.

Individuals who are interested in attending should register for the session independently or for both sessions. SEDA-COG is assisting Columbia County in the grant administration of the studies. Both projects have been financed by grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority and the Department of Community and Economic Development. Matt Vanaskie, Senior Project Manager at Herbert, Rowland and Grubic, Inc. said, “HRG is excited to review progress of the Fishing Creek Watershed flood mitigation study with Columbia County municipalities and residents.

To date our work has focused on understanding flooding and wet weather issues in the County based on available information and stakeholder feedback. At this meeting we are seeking to engage the community again to review noted problem areas and preview development/assessment of strategies and solutions that may mitigate flooding and wet weather issues.” Borton-Lawson’s project Technical Lead, Tom Lawson said, “In this second public meeting we will be presenting an overview of our evaluation of existing flood impacts, results of the public survey, preliminary floodwall concepts, as well as non-floodwall flood mitigation alternatives.  Before the formal meeting, we will have maps of the study area on display and team members will be available to answer any questions.”

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.

Housing rehabilitation work offers opportunity for general contractors for City of Shamokin

Contractor work may include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon mitigation, energy-related improvements, and, if they have certain certifications, lead-based paint mitigation.

Housing rehabilitation bids typically range from $20,000 to $65,000, with timely payment to contractors.

The City of Shamokin and SEDA-COG strive to work with local contractors to invest in the local economy, said Teri Provost, director of SEDA-COG’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“Not only do these grant awards benefit the community and homeowners, but the local economy as we seek to work with local general contractors to perform this work,” Provost said.

This means work flexibility for contractors, Provost said.

“Contractors can choose where they want to work, so there’s tremendous work flexibility,” Provost said. “Additionally, our work is year-round, so we offer a steady flow of projects. And if they don’t want to perform lead-based paint mitigation, we don’t require that certification for lead-free homes.”

Interested contractors also have the option of meeting one-on-one with SEDA-COG to answer any questions they may have. SEDA-COG streamlines the process for contractors with a rehabilitation specialist assigned to each community.

For more information, contact SEDA-COG’s Danielle King at 570-524-4491 or dking@seda-cog.org.

Sullivan County residents may receive no-cost home repairs

Residents should apply now for wait list

Homeowners in the County limits of Sullivan County may be eligible to receive up to $65,000 in home improvements from the Community Development Block Grant Program.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is encouraging county residents to apply now to get on the wait list. SEDA-COG manages the program on behalf of the County.

Interested residents may call SEDA-COG’s Stacy Anderson at 800-326-9310, ext. 7215.

Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements. Also included are modifications for mobility-impaired residents. There is no cost to homeowners who maintain home residency over a five-year period from the date of contract signing.

Homeowners can go through the process hassle-free with SEDA-COG managing it from start to finish, said Teri Provost, director of the agency’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“Eligible homeowners can enjoy a rehabilitated home at no cost to them while we help them from start to finish, from obtaining a contractor, managing the project, to anything that may arise during or after the rehabilitation process,” Provost said.

“The Board of Commissioners encourage interested homeowners to contact SEDA-COG,” stated Brian Hoffman, Sullivan County Board of Commissioners Chairman. “This is an excellent opportunity for eligible homeowners to make significant repairs to their homes,” Hoffman added.

Qualifications:

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

Annual Gross Income Limits:

Family size: 1 – $36,500; 2 – $41,700; 3 – $46,900; 4 – $52,100; 5 – $56,300

SEDA-COG offers two programs at no cost for home heating assistance

With colder weather arriving, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) will again offer the Crisis program to residents who qualify for fuel assistance, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program repairs malfunctioning heating units at no cost.

Additionally, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) stimulus funds will be used to offer a new service, the LIHEAP Clean and Tune Pilot program for residents. The goal of this program is to perform preventative maintenance services on residents’ primary heating equipment.

Residents should contact their local county assistance office to see if they qualify for these programs. They are being offered from October 18, 2021 through May 6, 2022.

SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program serves a seven-county area: Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Perry, Snyder, and Union.

If residents don’t qualify for LIHEAP or Crisis assistance, they may still qualify for SEDA-COG’s Weatherization services. SEDA-COG’s Weatherization services may provide furnace repair, although it is not immediate help, as it would be through Crisis. SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program can be reached at 570-522-7219.

Crisis Income Eligibility Guidelines

Family size:

  • 1 – $19,320;
  • 2 – $26,130;
  • 3 – $32,940;
  • 4 – $39,750;
  • 5 – $46,560;
  • 6 – $53,370;
  • 7 – $60,180;
  • 8 – $66,990​.

County Assistance Offices

  • Columbia: 570-387-4232
  • Juniata: 717-436-2158
  • Mifflin: 717-242-6095
  • Montour: 1-866-410-2093
  • Perry: 717-582-5038
  • Snyder: 570-372-1721
  • Union: 570-524-2201

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. .