Category: News

Planners seek feedback on CSVT special impact study findings and recommendations

Planners seek feedback on CSVT special impact study findings and recommendations

Posted on by DNS Admin

Area transportation leaders are inviting the public to share feedback on the potential transportation and land use impacts of the new Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation (CSVT) project along the Interstate 180 (I-180), US 15, and PA 147 corridors.

“We initiated the CSVT Special Impact Study as a proactive evaluation of potential impacts of the new thruway on regional land use growth and transportation systems within Lycoming, Northumberland, and Union counties. It identifies strategies for addressing those impacts,” said Scott Williams, a transportation planner with the Lycoming County Planning Commission.

The study’s action plan establishes priorities and initiatives for the region as both sections of the CSVT project become open to traffic by 2027. The action plan includes the formation of a new task force of regional planners and stakeholders that will help manage the implementation of the study’s recommendations.

Two Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) within the study area are driving the study process: Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS) and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG). WATS MPO, which serves Lycoming County, is spearheading the effort in coordination with SEDA-COG and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
“The study will be completed later this fall and will include recommendations to address forecasted impacts on highway safety, traffic operations, land use, and economic development,” said Williams. “We are identifying these strategic actions and initiatives now so the CSVT project can not only improve mobility through our region but be a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and community development.”

“Planning for the outcomes of the CSVT project is a vitally important part of our planning program,” said James Saylor, Transportation Planning Program Director of SEDA-COG. “The full extent of CSVT’s impacts may be unknown to us at this time, but this study has helped us obtain a sense of the challenges that our communities may face. Our partnerships and collaboration with the public, our municipalities, and local stakeholders play a very important role in helping us monitor the changes that may occur as the CSVT project is completed.” Elected officials, area legislators, regional stakeholders, and the public are invited to provide feedback on the study’s preliminary results on Monday, September 13, 2021. A briefing for elected officials and legislators will be held at 4:00 pm, followed by an open public meeting at 6:00 pm. The meeting agenda will include an overview of the study’s analyses of growth and development potential, highway safety, and traffic operations, as well as proposed recommendations.

The dial-in information for the Monday, September 13, 2021 virtual meeting is below:

Dial-in Number: 1 (267) 332-8737
Conference Code: 926 689 24#
For more information on how to connect to the virtual public meeting and for information on planning efforts related to CSVT, please visit http://www.lyco.org/CSVT.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Scott Williams
Transportation Supervisor/WATS MPO
Lycoming County Planning and Community Development Department
Email: swilliams@lyco.org
Phone: (570) 320-2138

James Saylor, P.E., PTOE
Program Director – Transportation Planning SEDA-Council of Governments
Email: jsaylor@seda-cog.org
Phone: (570) 524-4491 ex. 7238

About Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS)
The Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a single county MPO covering Lycoming County. Its mission is to provide a safe, reliable, efficient, environmentally sound, and socially equitable transportation system – including air, rails, roads, bridges, public transit, and trails that enhance Lycoming County’s economic vitality and quality of life. Together with PennDOT, the WATS MPO is responsible for planning for Lycoming County’s transportation systems through the development of a Long-Range Transportation
Plan (LRTP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

About SEDA-COG
The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG)’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also advocates for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels.

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

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities

Juniata County residents may receive no-cost home repairs

Juniata County residents may receive no-cost home repairs

Posted on by DNS Admin

Residents should apply now for wait list

Homeowners in the County limits of Juniata County may be eligible to receive up to $65,000 in home improvements from the HOME Existing Owner-Occupied Housing 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 encourages interested homeowners to contact SEDA-COG.” “This is an excellent opportunity for eligible homeowners to make significant repairs to their homes,” stated the Juniata County Commissioners.

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 – $38,200;
  • 2 – $43,650;
  • 3 – $49,100;
  • 4 – $54,550;
  • 5 – $58,950
NOTICE OF SECOND HEARING ON PROPOSED USE OF UNION COUNTY’S FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR (FFY) 2021 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS

NOTICE OF SECOND HEARING ON PROPOSED USE OF UNION COUNTY’S FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR (FFY) 2021 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS

Posted on by DNS Admin

Notice is hereby given that Union County and the entitlement communities of Lewisburg Borough and Kelly Township will conduct a public hearing at 2:00 PM on August 5, 2021 at the Union County Government Center, Commissioners Board Room, 155 North 15th Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837. The purpose of the hearing is to obtain citizen views and comments on Union County’s proposed use of $473,034 in FFY 2021 CDBG funds, including Entitlement allocations, and to receive any comments or grievances regarding Union County’s CDBG funds. This meeting is accessible to individuals with disabilities and/or for persons with Limited English Proficiency. If you wish to attend and require special accommodations due to disability or Limited English Proficiency, please notify the CDBG Administrator, Mitzi Gallagher-Long, at least 72 hours in advance of the scheduled hearing at 570-524-4491 or 1-800-332-6701, TTY: 1-800-654-5984, TDD: 1-800-654-5988 or mgallagherlong@seda-cog.org to make such arrangements.

Based on the amount of funds to be received, Union County, along with Lewisburg Borough and Kelly Township, propose to allocate CDBG funds as follows:

Union County

1. Mifflinburg Woodland Estates Sewer – $77,500
2. Buffalo Township Black Run Pump Station – $106,290
3. UCHA Housing Rehab – $25,000
4. Administration – $42,100

Total – $250,890

Lewisburg Borough

5.  Limestone Run Flood Resiliency – $94,101
6. Administration – $18,600

Total – $112,701

Kelly Township

7. Zeigler Road Sewer Line Extension – $91,343
8. Administration – $18,100

Total – $109,443

No displacement of any persons are proposed. At least 70% of funds will benefit low- to moderate-income residents.

The deadline to receive written comments on Union County’s proposed use of CDBG and/or any complaints or grievances regarding Union County’s CDBG funds is 4 PM, August 23, 2021, and must be forwarded to:

Mitzi Gallagher Long
SEDA-COG Project Coordinator
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
(or at the numbers or email above)

Additional information on the public hearing, the CDBG program, and/or how to express any complaints or grievances regarding Union County’s CDBG funds may be obtained by contacting: Mitzi Gallagher-Long, at the above contact information. Written responses will be addressed within 15 working days when practicable.

On or about October 28, 2021, Union County plans to submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The application documents will be available for public inspection at the Union County Government Center, Chief Clerk’s Office, 155 North 15th Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837, M-F 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. In no case shall the County Commissioners disclose any information concerning the financial status of any program participant(s) which may be required to document program eligibility or benefit. Furthermore, the County Commissioners shall not disclose any information which may, in the opinion of the County Commissioners, be deemed of a confidential nature.

The Union County Commissioners will consider approval of the CDBG application submittal at the regular public meeting to be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at the Union County Government Center, 155 North 15th Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837.

Übersetzer sind für die öffentliche Sitzung auf Anfrage erhältlich.

Traductores estarán disponibles en las reunions públicas por petición.

Centre County Commissioners provide a new grant for Centre County small businesses

Centre County Commissioners provide a new grant for Centre County small businesses

Posted on by DNS Admin

A new COVID Relief Grant for eligible Centre County small businesses will open on July 20, 2021. The Centre County Commissioners have allocated $3,000,000 of American Rescue Plan funding for a small business grant program. The small business grant program funding will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. The Centre County Commissioners expect the first checks to be mailed to small businesses in August.

Centre County Commissioner Michael Pipe said, “The Commissioners are urging businesses to apply as soon as possible. We have allocated additional funds to help Centre County businesses get back in full operation after the disastrous effects of the pandemic.”

SEDA-COG will be assisting the Centre County Commissioners by receiving and reviewing the applications. Businesses can apply at SEDA-COG’s website starting July 20, 2021, until the funds are exhausted. A full listing of requirements can be found on the website. If a business has filed their 2019 and 2020 federal business taxes, the grant application can be completed quickly.

Kim Wheeler, SEDA-COG’s executive director said, “We know that small businesses are the backbone of the local economy, yet they’ve been negatively affected by the pandemic. That’s why we are so pleased to be helping the Centre County Commissioners collect and review applications to help these small businesses.” Grant amounts are in $2,000 increments up to a maximum of $20,000 and the funds will assist businesses in covering the business’ operating expenses incurred in 2021. Operating expenses include, but are not limited to payroll, rent, mortgage, utilities, costs of goods, supplies, raw materials, etc.

Eligibility includes, but is not limited to, being in Centre County, having fewer than 500 full-time employees, must be in business at the time of application, and plan to stay in business until at least December 31, 2021.

The grant program was created from American Rescue Plan funding through the U.S. Department of Treasury.

For more information, contact SEDA-COG Grants Manager Betsy Lockwood at 570-522-7265 or elockwood@seda-cog.org.

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.