Community Development – SEDA Council of Governments

Snydertown Borough Launches New Website to Better Serve Residents

Posted on May 8, 2026May 8, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

Image description: Homepage of the Snydertown Borough website.

Lewisburg, PA — Snydertown Borough is a small rural community of approximately 380 residents in Northumberland County. The borough launched its first fully functional website in March with support from the SEDA-COG ITG program. The new website is designed to provide borough residents quick and easy access to information, forms, and upcoming events.

Prior to the website launch, residents who needed a copy of a borough ordinance, form, or permit had to call or stop by the borough office, which has limited hours of operation. They then had to wait to receive the requested information or form by mail or email. Residents now have immediate online access to information, which also reduces borough administrative costs. With the new website, residents can easily access forms and other important and informational resources, as well as current and previous year’s council meeting agendas and minutes.

The idea of creating a website was first discussed over 10 years ago, but the effort never progressed into a usable site. The project gained momentum earlier this year when council members reached out to SEDA-COG ITG for assistance.

Council members were pleased with how quickly the website launched. “We wanted this for over 10 years,” said council member Steve Wilson. “Within a month of our first contact, it was up and running. Our council and residents are very happy with the results.”

Wilson said the borough has received very positive feedback from residents, especially regarding access to building/zoning information. Residents planning home or property improvements, or simply have questions regarding what is or is not permitted, can now easily locate the ordinance, forms, and guidance they need online. “Zoning has its own page on the website, and it should prove to be a great asset,” Wilson said.

While the current focus is on providing access to information, borough officials see potential for the website to support additional services over time as needs and resources are evaluated.

As part of the project, SEDA-COG ITG provided technical setup, website design, and hands-on training to support the borough’s launch. The focus was not only on building the site, but also on ensuring borough staff could confidently manage and update content going forward.

By the end of the project, Snydertown Borough was equipped to maintain the website independently and continue expanding its online presence as community needs evolve.

Wilson offered advice for other municipalities considering a website launch. “Move forward with it,” he said. “Review the information, documents, and other resources you have, determine your residents’ needs to access those resources, and take the next step. It is affordable, timely, and will have a significant positive impact on your community.”

Visit the Snydertown Borough’s website at https://snydertownpa.org/.

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.

Public Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Flood Solutions for Bloomsburg West End

Posted on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

Bloomsburg, PA — The Columbia County Commissioners, in coordination with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), invite residents to attend a public meeting about the continuing long-term efforts to address recurring flooding in the West End of Bloomsburg and Drinker Street in Hemlock Township.

The meeting will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Bloomsburg Fire Company, 911 Market Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

The Columbia County West End Flood Mitigation Projects & Columbia County West End Flood Risk Management Systems build on previous flood studies and earlier flood wall investments, representing the next phase of work to reduce flood risks, protect homes and businesses, and strengthen critical infrastructure. The focus remains on improving safety and resilience for the community while planning responsibly for future flood events.

This meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about potential improvements and proposed projects, hear directly from the project team, ask questions, and share local knowledge, feedback, and concerns related to flooding in the project area.

Residents and stakeholders of Bloomsburg West End and Fernville areas, including property owners, business owners, and residents, are encouraged to attend.

For questions or additional information please email bloomsburgfloodproject@seda-cog.org or visit the project website at https://bit.ly/CC_BFP.

About Columbia County
Columbia County, located in north central Pennsylvania, is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners and works with local, regional, and state partners to support public services, infrastructure, and community development. 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 Sunbury Receives $1M Grant to Support Phase-two of the Susquehanna Avenue Stormwater and Sewer Separation Project

Posted on December 10, 2025December 12, 2025 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA — With the assistance of SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), The City of Sunbury was awarded $1,000,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Discretionary Program for Phase Two of the Susquehanna Avenue Stormwater and Sewer Separation Project.

The city’s aging water distribution system, which supplies drinking water and supports firefighting through hydrants, needs repairs to ensure an adequate supply for both uses. The sewage system, which does not separate stormwater from sewage, is also outdated, and its pipes are too small to handle increased flow during heavy rain. During storms, the system and the city’s treatment plant become overwhelmed, causing flooding and sewage backups into streets and properties.

Phase Two will continue work started in Phase One, which covered Susquehanna Avenue from Reagan Street to Packer Street, by upgrading the water and sewer systems along Susquehanna Avenue from Packer Street to Julia Street and sewer separation on Fort Augusta Avenue.

Crews will replace old sewer pipes that are cracked and too small for today’s needs. It will also build a separate stormwater system with new storm drains to help water flow off streets. The upgraded water system will include new mains, shut-off valves, fire hydrants, and connections to homes and businesses. Once the underground construction is completed, work will begin to rebuild the street, curbs, and sidewalks along Susquehanna Avenue.

In addition, improvements will be made to the Reagan Street pump station to handle more flow and reduce costs. And a previously closed drainage structure will be reopened to help the city’s stormwater system manage heavy rain more effectively.

Work is expected to being in Spring 2026 and last through November 2026.

Upon completion, the upgraded water system will ensure safe drinking water and reliable fire protection for the City’s residents and businesses. The construction of a separate stormwater system and upgrades to the sewer system will keep rainwater and wastewater separated, reducing strain on the treatment plant and helping prevent flooding and sewage backups during heavy storms.

Susquehanna Avenue is the only access point to the former Celotex property, which the city is redeveloping to attract new industry and create jobs. These infrastructure improvements will help advance those efforts.

The application for funding was prepared and submitted by SEDA-COG on behalf of the City of Sunbury and was supported by local stakeholders and state and federal officials including U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, state Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, state Rep. Michael Stender, the Northumberland County Planning office, and the Sunbury Municipal Authority, who offered letters of support for the application.

“Sunbury has been working hard to modernize its aging water and sewer infrastructure, and this grant is an important step forward,” said U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser. “Upgrading these outdated systems will protect homes and businesses from flooding, improve water quality and fire protection, and strengthen the city’s ability to attract new employers to the former Celotex site. I was glad to support the City’s application, and I appreciate SEDA-COG and our state and local partners for their commitment to Sunbury’s long-term growth.”

The total project cost for Phase Two is $5.5 million. Additional funding is being provided through the City’s 2023 and 2024 CDBG allocations, federal appropriations through Rep. Dan Meuser’s office, local matching funds, an H20 grant, and Northumberland County ARPA funds.

The 2024 CDBG Discretionary funds awarded for this project are part of more than $6.2 million in Community Development Block Grant allocations distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to communities across the Commonwealth.

“The Shapiro Administration understands the importance of making investments through CDBG and similar programs to create safe and healthy communities for all Pennsylvanians to live, work, and play, and these awards help make that vision a reality,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger in the press release issued by DCED. “We will continue to make investments like these that address the most critical needs facing our communities.”

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.

Centre County Secures $1.23M in State Funding for Eagle Creek Sewer Project

Posted on December 5, 2025December 12, 2025 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA — With the assistance of SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), Centre County was awarded $1,235,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Discretionary Program to fund the Eagle Creek Sewer project, a critical infrastructure upgrade that will protect public health and preserve affordable housing.

Eagle Creek is a unique mobile home community where residents own both their homes and the land beneath them. Currently, the community relies on an aging on-site wastewater treatment plant managed by the homeowner’s association.

This investment will address long-standing regulatory concerns with the on-site wastewater treatment plant by connecting the Eagle Creek community to the public sewer system operated by Mid-Centre Authority in Unionville Borough, ensuring a reliable, modern wastewater solution.

Affordable housing is essential to maintaining stability for families, supporting the local workforce, and fostering economic growth. Without this CDBG funding, costs for residents would have increased 240% above the area’s affordability rate, threatening the loss of affordable housing options in Centre County.

This project safeguards the health and financial security of Eagle Creek residents, preserves affordable housing, and strengthens the region’s infrastructure, ensuring long-term sustainability and improving quality of life for the greater Centre County community.

The application for funding was prepared and submitted by SEDA-COG on behalf of Centre County and was supported by residents, local leaders, and state and federal legislators, including U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, Pennsylvania Sen. Cris Dush, Pennsylvania Sen. Wayne Langerholc, and Pennsylvania Rep. Paul Takac who provided letters of support for the application.

“Connecting to the existing public sewer system is the solution for the long-term,” said U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson. “Through partnerships at the local, state, and federal level we can continue to innovate and adapt when it comes to affordable housing solutions in our growing region.”

In a separate statement, state Rep. Paul Takac said, “This funding is essential to keeping service costs reasonable for the homeowners while addressing critical infrastructure issues. A well-functioning sewer system is among the most essential elements of a community’s overall health and well-being.”

These funds are part of more than $6.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funding awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development across the Commonwealth.

“The Shapiro Administration understands the importance of making investments through CDBG and similar programs to create safe and healthy communities for all Pennsylvanians to live, work, and play, and these awards help make that vision a reality,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger in the press release issued by DCED. “We will continue to make investments like these that address the most critical needs facing our communities.”

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.