Funds available for limited time for heating unit repairs. Residents can get no-cost repairs through SEDA-COG

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is reminding residents that CARES funds to repair or replace their home heating units are available through Aug. 31 or until funds are spent.

This service is available to income-qualifying residents in Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Perry, Snyder, and Union counties because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mandy Fox, chief of SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program, said there are still funds left and urged residents to apply.

“Many people are facing financial hardships right now, and we want to let people know these funds are still available. Because it’s summer, many people aren’t thinking about repairing or replacing their heating units, but it’s the perfect time to do repairs since the funds are available and it’s warm out,” Fox said.

For those whose heat source is malfunctioning, they should call their county assistance office. The county assistance office will forward the completed referral to SEDA-COG to assign to a subcontractor.

SEDA-COG and its subcontractors will follow Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and use the proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) during home visits. SEDA-COG asks those who have been sick, have symptoms or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 that they reschedule their appointments.

COUNTY ASSISTANCE OFFICES

Columbia: 570-387-4200
Juniata: 717-436-2158
Mifflin: 717-248-6746
Montour: 570-275-7430
Perry: 1-800-991-1929
Snyder: 570-374-8126
Union: 570-524-2201

For more information on the recovery program, call SEDA-COG’s Christine Bohart at 570-522-7219 or visit https://bit.ly/2WV26pJ.

UNION COUNTY CDBG-CARES (CDBG-CV) COMPETITIVE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

It is the intent of the Union County Commissioners to apply for Community Development Block Grant- CARES (CDBG-CV) Competitive funds through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) on behalf of Lewisburg Borough for Lewisburg hand washing/sanitizing restroom project. The amount of funding applied for will be $300,000. A public hearing will be held on Monday, July 6, 2020, 2:00 PM. Keeping with federal and state guidelines regarding COVID 19, this hearing will take place as a virtual video web and tele conference. The public is invited to observe and participate in the hearing as follows: To access via web video, type the link: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/8383951780. To access via telephone dial +1(470)8692200 and enter Meeting ID: 838 395 1780. The hearing will be recorded. The hearing platform is accessible to persons with disabilities. If accommodations are needed for those with special needs related to language, sight, or hearing, please call (570)524-4491 at least five days in advance.

This public hearing is being held to allow citizens an opportunity to become educated on the project, as well as provide a forum for citizen feedback and discussion. Public testimonials and support are critical for this project to be considered for CDBG Competitive grant funding.

The public hearing will be facilitated by staff from the SEDA-Council of Governments. Items of discussion include:

  • • Project Description
  • • CDBG Competitive Program Requirements
  • • CDBG Competitive Application Schedule
  • • Anticipated Budget and Construction Schedule
  • • Special Conditions of the CDBG Competitive Grant

To learn more about the Lewisburg hand washing/sanitizing restroom project and, and the CDBG-CV program, you are encouraged to attend this public hearing.

Technical assistance will be provided upon request to any groups or persons, especially LMI persons or their representatives, when developing proposals intending to use CDBG-CV funds. The Union County Commissioners will strive to make all programs and activities accessible to the learning, mobility, vision, hearing, and language-impaired persons. If you have a disability or limited English proficiency and require an auxiliary aid or accommodations, please contact Kristen Lloyd at SEDA-COG, 1-800-332-6701, 1-800-654-5984 TTY, 1-800-654-5988 TDD to discuss your needs. Translators will be available upon request.

Any complaints should be written and submitted to Mitzi Gallagher-Long at SEDA-COG. Written responses will be addressed within 15 working days when practicable.

Übersetzer sind für die öffentliche Sitzung auf Anfrage erhältlich
Traductores estarán disponibles en las reunions públicas por petición

Kelly Township residents may receive no-cost home repairs. Residents should apply now for wait list

Kelly Township homeowners in Union County may be eligible to receive up to $25,000 in home improvements from the Existing Owner-Occupied Housing Program funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

Union County Housing Authority and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) are encouraging township residents to apply now to get on the wait list.

Interested residents may call Union County Housing Authority at 570-522-1300 or TDY 1-800-654-5984 to be put on the wait list.

SEDA-COG administers the CDBG grant for the township; the township is the grant applicant, pursuing the funds on behalf of its residents. The housing authority manages the housing rehabilitation process.

Kelly Township Supervisor Chairman David Hassenplug said residents should take advantage of this opportunity.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to get no-cost home repairs, especially since the pandemic has caused financial hardships on many people,” Hassenplug said.

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 signing.

Homeowners can go through the process hassle-free with Union County Housing Authority managing it from start to finish, said Lori Staggert, UCHA Senior Project Manager.

“We make the process easy for the homeowner and manage it from start to finish,” Staggert said.

Qualifications:

  • · 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;
  • · Live in the home an additional five years.

Additional requirements may apply.

Annual Gross Income Limits: **Income limits take effect July 1, 2020
Family size: 1 – $40,050; 2 – $45,800; 3 – $51,500; 4 – $57,200; 5 – $61,800; 6 – $66,400; 7 – $70,950; 8 – $75,550.

Public Notice: SEDA-COG Board of Directors Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the regular meeting of the SEDA‑COG Board of Directors has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, at 1:00 p.m. In keeping with federal and state guidelines regarding COVID-19, this meeting will take place virtually, with the option to join via teleconference.

To attend this public meeting, please click on the following link: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/6124697268 and follow the prompts. To access via telephone, please call +1(470)869-2200 and enter Meeting ID: 612 469 7268. The meeting will be recorded.