Category: SEDA-COG

SEDA-COG Offers Resolution to HOME Grantees

SEDA-COG Offers Resolution to HOME Grantees

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA — At its Mar. 25, 2026 meeting, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Board of Directors voted to expend funds to HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grantees who are required to make repayments to the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development (DCED) on contracts administered by SEDA-COG.

As of Mar. 25, 2026, SEDA-COG is aware of four grantees who have been asked to pay back all or a portion of their contract due to errors found during a programmatic monitoring.

Two of the grantees are currently in an appeals process with DCED. Until the appeals process is complete, it is not known if payback from these grantees will be required.

The remaining two grantees have agreed to the repayments requested by DCED. A motion was made and passed at today’s SEDA-COG Board of Directors meeting to offer contributions to the City of Lock Haven and the Borough of Berwick towards their respective repayments.

Due to the shared responsibility between SEDA-COG as the administrator of the HOME funds and the grantee as the recipient of the funds, SEDA-COG has offered to pay 75% of the requested payback, plus 100% of the administration fees paid to SEDA-COG.

As previously disclosed in a Jun.16, 2025 press release, SEDA-COG discovered and self-reported the potential mismanagement of two HOME projects they were administering under their Housing Rehabilitation program.

After DCED’s investigation into the incident, they requested files directly from SEDA-COG for ten additional HOME contracts administered by SEDA-COG for programmatic monitoring. Following the monitoring, DCED issued monitoring letters directly to grantees.

Most programs receiving federal or state funds are monitored on a regular basis. SEDA-COG supports this approach by funding sources in order to mitigate the risk of waste, mismanagement, or intentional misuse of funds.

SEDA-COG contacted all eleven grantees who received the monitoring letters and worked with those who responded by providing additional research and documentation. As a result, many of the grantees found resolution with DCED regarding some or all of the findings in their monitoring letter.

SEDA-COG emphasizes the errors in administration, involving the HOME funds administered through the Housing Rehabilitation program, were isolated to that program.

In order to focus on delivering the high-quality services and reestablishing the trust expected from the nearly 70 years of service to the region, the SEDA-COG Board voted Feb. 25, 2026, to close the agency’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

SEDA-COG views offering contributions towards repayment and closing the program as a show of commitment to finding a practical resolution while ensuring, through their various other programs, they remain focused on projects that provide meaningful benefit to all who are served.

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.

Invitation to Bid: HMGP Acquisition and Demolition Project

Invitation to Bid: HMGP Acquisition and Demolition Project

Posted on by DNS Admin

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Borough of Renovo is accepting bids for the HMGP Acquisition/Demolition Project – Renovo Borough, Clinton County, PA online via the PennBid Program at http://PennBid.Bonfirehub.com or in person at the office of the Engineer, Peters Consultants, Inc., 2701 Columbia Boulevard, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 until 11:00 A.M. local time on April 8, 2026, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Hardcopies of the bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked on the outside “Sealed Bid for HMGP Acquisition/Demolition Project – Renovo Borough, Clinton County, PA”.

The 16 properties are located in the Borough of Renovo at:

  • 133 14th Street
  • 135 14th Street
  • 137 14th Street
  • 139 14th Street
  • 141 14th Street
  • 143 14th Street
  • 145 14th Street
  • 147 14th Street
  • 149 14th Street
  • 151 14th Street
  • 153 14th Street
  • 155 14th Street
  • 157 14th Street
  • 159 14th Street
  • 161 14th Street
  • 163 14th Street

The 16 apartment units were constructed as a single structure. The Work comprises the demolition of all structures, garages, sheds, other ancillary property structures, private sidewalks (public sidewalks to remain), cap water and sewer laterals at curb line (work with public works), one water and sewer lateral in the middle shall be brought up to 3’ grade and capped, rubbish, asbestos abatement as needed, property restoration and all appurtenances for a complete job in accordance with the Contract Documents.

All Structures have been declared unsafe to enter to complete the asbestos testing. The Engineer’s Certified Asbestos Inspector will be onsite during the demolition process. The building materials must be kept adequately wet at all times, starting with the demolition process, through site cleanup, transport and final disposal. “Adequately wet” means sufficiently wet to prevent the release of particulates and there are no visible emissions observed from any asbestos-containing material. If visible emissions are observed, the demolition must cease, and additional wetting must be performed until no emissions are occurring. However, the absence of visible emissions is not sufficient evidence of being adequately wet.

For a complete discussion of the structurally unsound and in danger of imminent collapse provisions under the Asbestos NESHAP, please refer to 40 C.F.R. §§ 61.141 and 61.145(a)(3), 61.145(c)(4) -(9). Each Bid shall be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, negotiable U. S. Government Bonds (at par value) or approved Bid Bond in the amount of 10 percent of the total Bid Price, payable to the Borough of Renovo, as a guarantee that the Bidder, if its Bid is accepted, shall promptly obtain the required Bonds and Insurance and shall prepare the required submittal documents and execute the Agreement.

All Bids shall remain irrevocable for a period of 60 calendar days from the date of Bid opening, or as allowed by law. Bids may be held by the Borough of Renovo for up to 60 days from the date of opening for the purpose of reviewing the Bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders prior to awarding the contract. Bids shall be submitted upon forms furnished by the Borough of Renovo.

A full set of Contract Documents is available for inspection without charge at the office of the Engineer, Peters Consultants, Inc., 2701 Columbia Boulevard, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or at the Borough of Renovo office, 128 5th Street, Renovo, PA 17764. A full set of Contract Documents can be picked up at the office of the Engineer for $45.00 or a PDF can be emailed at no cost. This project has been financed by FEMA.

The Borough of Renovo is utilizing federal funds for this project, and has adopted a Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) plan in accordance with Executive Orders 11625, 12138, and 12432. As such, the bidders/offerors must submit documentary evidence of minority and women business enterprises who have been contacted and to whom commitments have been made. Documentation of such solicitations and commitments shall be submitted with the bid. MBE/WBE shall be afforded full opportunity to bid without discrimination

The Borough of Renovo reserves the right to award to the most responsible Bidder and reject any part of, and/or all Bids as it may best serve the interest of the Owner. The Borough of Renovo reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, to waive any irregularities, and to negotiate contract amounts. Prevailing Wage Rates are required to be paid per Federal Regulations.

Borough of Renovo
Ms. Mary Kramer, Secretary / Treasurer

Public Invited to Help Shape Shamokin’s Revitalization Efforts

Public Invited to Help Shape Shamokin’s Revitalization Efforts

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA — Shamokin residents, business owners, and community stakeholders are invited to attend a public open house on Wednesday, March 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Casey Club Knights of Columbus, 400 East Independence Street, Shamokin.

The public meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about ongoing revitalization efforts and share their ideas for the future of Shamokin.

The event is being organized by SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) in partnership with the City of Shamokin and the GoShamokin! initiative, with planning efforts supported through SEDA-COG’s EPA Brownfield Assessment Coalition Grant.

During the open house, attendees will hear a brief overview of current planning initiatives and improvement projects underway in the city before participating in interactive activities designed to gather community feedback. Informational exhibits will also be available, allowing participants to provide input directly to the planning team.

Public input gathered during the meeting will help guide future redevelopment strategies and priorities that support Shamokin’s continued economic growth and revitalization.

“Community participation is essential to the success of these efforts,” said Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG. “This open house is an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to learn about the work already underway and help shape the next chapter of Shamokin’s revitalization.”

Earlier the same day, several topic-focused forums will also be held with government agencies, regional partners, and community organizations. The discussions will focus on economic development, recreation and tourism opportunities, and downtown capacity-building strategies.

These discussions and the public open house are part of a broader effort to advance recommendations from the 2020 GoShamokin! Plan and identify opportunities to redevelop underutilized properties, strengthen the downtown, and expand economic development opportunities throughout the city.

Community members interested in attending are asked to RSVP by emailing Brittiny Wright at bwright@seda-cog.org.

Additional updates about Shamokin revitalization efforts can be found at goshamokin.com.

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.

City of Williamsport Approves Engineering and Construction Procurement for Levee Rehabilitation Project

City of Williamsport Approves Engineering and Construction Procurement for Levee Rehabilitation Project

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA — At its March 5, 2026 public meeting, Williamsport City Council unanimously approved resolutions authorizing the next phase of the City’s federally funded levee rehabilitation project.

Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDACOG), presented formal procurement recommendations to Council following a competitive qualifications-based and sealed bid process conducted in accordance with federal procurement standards under 2 CFR 200.

Council approved:
• A resolution authorizing selection of AECOM to provide professional engineering services following the completed Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process.
• A resolution authorizing award of construction services to Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI) following the completed Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

The procurement processes were publicly advertised, evaluated using established scoring criteria, and reviewed for compliance with FEMA and federal grant requirements. The engineering selection followed Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) standards, while the construction contract was awarded in accordance with competitive procurement requirements.

“This project represents a major investment in long-term flood protection and infrastructure resiliency for the Williamsport community,” said Kramer. “City Council’s action tonight allows us to move forward confidently into the next phase of implementation while maintaining full compliance with federal funding requirements.”

The levee rehabilitation project is funded through FEMA’s Legislative Pre-Disaster Mitigation (LPDM) grant program and represents an approximate $10 million dollar investment in critical flood control infrastructure.

The project will strengthen the existing levee system, reduce flood risk to residents and businesses, and enhance the City’s long-term resiliency planning efforts.

City officials emphasized that careful adherence to federal procurement standards ensures continued eligibility for reimbursement and protects taxpayer investment.

Next steps include final contract execution, submission of required documentation to FEMA and PEMA, and coordination meetings to begin detailed project planning and scheduling.

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.