The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has posted the draft Final Proposal on the BEAD Program Page. Comments will be accepted beginning on Friday, August 22 through Friday, August 29 at 5:00 PM (ET).
For additional information on how to provide public comment, please visit the PBDA BEAD Program Page.
Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) played a key role in helping the Herndon Borough-Jackson Township Joint Municipal Authority (HBJTJMA) secure an additional $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funding to complete the final phase of the Route 147 Waterline Replacement project.
Earlier phases of the project included construction of a new treatment facility, new water metering systems, and a conversion from gas to liquid chlorination to eliminate underground chlorine gas storage. The final phase will replace over two miles of deteriorating cast iron water pipes, some of which are more than 90 years old.
Addressing these aging infrastructure issues has become increasingly urgent, but recent developments complicated the path forward. In June, bids for the final phase came in $1.5 million over the available budget. Additionally, previously secured funds needed to be spent by the end of this year. Without the needed funding, only part of the project could proceed, putting the water system at continued risk.
Leveraging its expertise in community development and grant acquisition, SEDA-COG worked quickly with the Authority and other partners to identify and secure the additional funding needed to keep the project on track.
“Thanks to SEDA-COG’s decisive leadership, our project is back on track and poised to deliver lasting benefits to our community,” said Judi Deppen of the Herndon Borough–Jackson Township Joint Municipal Authority.
Deppen continued, “we couldn’t have done this without the expertise and support of SEDA-COG and project coordinator Tonia Troup, who sought solutions when none seemed available. As a small town without the resources to manage this on our own, we’re incredibly grateful. I believe other small communities like ours should know about the tremendous resources SEDA-COG offers.”
“We also couldn’t have done this without the backing of the Northumberland County Commissioners and Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver,” said Tonia Troup, SEDA-COG project coordinator. “And, of course, the quick action at the state level from DCED.”
Currently, residents experience discolored water, odor issues, and low pressure, while the current lack of reliable hydrant service forces fire crews to depend on tanker trucks from 20 minutes away. This delay can hinder emergency response efforts and increase the risk of harm during fire events.
Upon completion of the project, Herndon residents will enjoy clean, safe drinking water leading to better health, sanitation, and overall quality of life. Firefighters will have the necessary water pressure to effectively combat fires, significantly boosting public safety. Additionally, the new water lines will be more resilient to wear and tear caused by heavy-truck traffic along Route 147, ensuring the community continues to have reliable access to water.
Lewisburg, PA — Lewisburg, PA –SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) and BusinessPA, which is part of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), are Bringing the World to Central PA on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Bellefonte, PA.
The yearly event provides the opportunity for businesses to meet one-on-one with Pennsylvania’s authorized trade representatives and discuss how their company can enter or grow in over 40 markets worldwide.
This event is free of charge. Preregistration is required to attend. The deadline to sign up is Sept. 8, 2025.
The link to register is https://bit.ly/BTW2CPA. If you have any questions, please email SEDA-COG’s Director of Export of Assistance Noelle Long at nlong@seda-cog.org or call 570-524-4491.
BusinessPA, in partnership with its Regional Export Network (REN) partners, are coordinating multiple events around the state for Pennsylvania companies interested in strengthening and elevating their export strategies and performance.
“Export development services provided by the state of Pennsylvania are a valuable resource to small to mid-size companies such as Xact Metal,” said SEDA-COG client and VP of Global Sales Dave Jankowski. “We would not have grown globally without its support.”
Event Details
Date: Sept. 17, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Brass 16823, 2042 Axemann Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823
Registration Deadline: Sept. 8, 2025
Link: https://bit.ly/BTW2CPA
Photo available for use courtesy of SEDA-COG.
Photo Description: Trade representative from the Netherlands discusses exporting strategies with local business owner at 2024 Bringing the World to Central PA event.
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.
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has released several resources to assist with the development of applications for BEAD Round Two. These resources can be found on the PBDA BEAD Program Page, under “Additional Information”.
These resources include a revised list of BEAD Eligible Locations, updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), an overview of BEAD Program changes, and an update to Round Two scoring criteria to align with federal requirements.
If you have additional questions regarding Round Two of the BEAD Program, please reach out to ra-dcpbda_bead@pa.gov.
Thank You,
The PBDA Team
