Category: Community Revitalization

Building a Stronger Future for the Mount Carmel Area

Posted on by DNS Admin

Lewisburg, PA — A coalition of local, regional, state, and national partners has launched the Mount Carmel Revitalization Initiative, a long-term effort focused on strengthening the Mount Carmel Area through investment in people, community assets, workforce development, and economic opportunity. 

The initiative brings together organizations that share a commitment to helping the community build on its existing strengths while creating new opportunities for residents and future generations. 

Like many rural communities, Mount Carmel has a strong history, dedicated residents, and a deep sense of pride. This effort is designed to support local priorities, encourage collaboration, and help community partners work together to address challenges and pursue opportunities throughout the region. 

The initiative was made possible through support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, whose investment helped partners build the relationships and shared vision that laid the groundwork for this collaborative effort. By investing in partnerships, Bloomberg helped create the conditions for long-term community growth. 

Coalition partners include Coalfield Development, Partners for Rural Impact (PRI), Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO), the Mount Carmel Area Community Center, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU), H&P Construction, Inc. (HPCI), Bucknell University, the Borough of Mount Carmel, and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG). 

“One of the strengths of this initiative is the range of experience and resources each partner brings to the table,” said Betsy Kramer, Director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG. “By working together, we can pursue funding, support local leadership, and help turn community ideas into projects that make a meaningful difference for the Mount Carmel Area.” 

Together, the partners will coordinate resources, pursue funding opportunities, support community-led projects, and advance efforts related to workforce development, economic growth, education, and neighborhood improvement. 

First Project Focuses on Workforce Development and Community Investment 

The initiative’s first project will begin this summer at the Mount Carmel Area Community Center. 

“We are honored that the Community Center will serve as the starting point for this initiative,” said Cathy Besser of the Mount Carmel Area Community Center. “While the first project begins here, the vision reaches far beyond our walls. This effort is about creating opportunities for residents, strengthening partnerships, and helping build a brighter future for the entire Mount Carmel Area.” 

Four workforce trainees will participate in a hands-on pilot program led by H&P Construction, Inc., with support and oversight from Mayor Bing Cimino. Trainees will complete landscaping and site improvement projects around the Community Center while gaining valuable work experience and job skills. 

“This pilot project demonstrates exactly what this collaboration is all about: bringing people together to invest in our community while creating opportunities for residents to learn valuable skills,” Cimino said. “It’s the first step in what we believe will become a long-term revitalization effort benefiting the entire Mount Carmel Area.” 

The project reflects a simple goal: creating opportunities for residents while making visible investments in community assets that benefit everyone. As funding opportunities arise, the initiative will continue supporting projects throughout the Mount Carmel Area. 

Planning for the Future 

In addition to launching its first project, partners are preparing for a long-term community planning process. 

SEDA-COG will pursue funding for the development of the GoMountCarmel! Plan, a community-driven strategy that will help identify priorities and future projects across the Mount Carmel Area. The planning effort will engage residents, businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and community partners in shaping a shared vision for the future. 

Potential focus areas include housing, workforce development, economic growth, downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship, recreation, infrastructure, and neighborhood investment. 

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. 

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Amanda Owens
Chief Human Resources Officer, SEDA-COG
570-524-4491 
aowens@seda-cog.org  

Shamokin Awarded $1.5 Million for Streetscape Project

Shamokin Awarded $1.5 Million for Streetscape Project

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Current sidewalk conditions along Independence Street between 8th and 9th streets, looking toward the intersection at 8th Street

Shamokin, PA — The City of Shamokin, with support from SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), has been awarded $1.5 million through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Surface Block Grant Program, to support continued improvements along Independence Street.

The award will support Phase 2 of the ongoing Independence Street Streetscape Project, focusing on the block between 9th Street and 8th Street. Planned upgrades include safer crosswalks, improved sidewalks, and other enhancements to make the street more accessible, welcoming, and easier to navigate.

This investment builds on previously secured funding for the project, including a $2.675 million federal congressional appropriation and $250,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund.

A ceremonial groundbreaking for Phase 1, which includes improvements from 9th Street to the railroad crossing, was held April 20, 2026. Construction on that phase is expected to begin soon.

The project will be completed in four phases and is designed to strengthen connections and support ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Shamokin. It aligns with recommendations from the GoShamokin! Plan and other local transportation and safety initiatives.

The TASA award is part of more than $74 million announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to fund 72 projects in 38 counties aimed at improving community access and transportation options across the commonwealth. These investments support projects that enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to school, and increase safety for vulnerable travelers.

“This award is incredibly exciting for the city of Shamokin and the continued momentum of this effort,” said Mayor Mike McLaughlin.

McLaughlin added, “A well-planned downtown infrastructure project does more than improve roads and utilities, it creates the foundation for long-term economic growth, safer and more walkable neighborhoods, stronger local businesses, and renewed community pride. When cities invest in modern infrastructure, they invest in the people, connections, and opportunities that make downtown a place where residents and visitors want to spend time.”

“This project demonstrates how strategic partnerships and phased investments can help transform communities,” said Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG. “We are grateful for the ongoing support and collaboration from the SEDA-COG MPO and PennDOT District 3 throughout the TASA application process.”

Kramer added that improvements along Independence Street will have lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors.

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

Public Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Flood Solutions for Bloomsburg West End

Posted on 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.

SEDA-COG MPO Invites Public to Review and Comment on two transportation plans

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, Pa. – The SEDA‑Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Organization (SEDA‑COG MPO) is pleased to announce the beginning of a 30‑day public review and comment period on two draft documents which cover Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties.

The public comment period for the draft 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and the draft 2027–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will run from Apr. 22, 2026 through May 22, 2026.

The draft LRTP outlines proposed transportation priorities and strategies for the eight-county SEDA‑COG MPO region and serves as an important guide for future federal, state, and local transportation investment decisions. The plan addresses a wide range of transportation needs, including for roadways and bridges , safety, freight movement, public transportation, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities across the MPO.

The draft TIP lists federally funded projects and regionally significant, non-federally funded projects programmed for implementation. The TIP helps both the transportation community and the public to track the use of state, federal, and local transportation funds. The TIP also helps MPO members, local governments, and other transportation stakeholders to establish a transportation program that implements the goals of the region’s long-range transportation plan.

The public is encouraged to review the draft documents on the projects’ websites.

LRTP: https://bit.ly/4cj4Nqm

TIP: https://bit.ly/4mBhfqh

Written comments may be submitted by email or mail to:

Kristin McLaughlin, AICP | Principal Transportation Planner
SEDA-COG MPO
201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837
kmclaughlin@seda-cog.org

To provide additional opportunities for public input, the SEDA‑COG MPO will host a public open house. The open house will allow attendees to review materials, speak with MPO staff, and share feedback on the drafts.

Draft Plan Comment Period Public Meeting

  • Monday, May 4
    9–10 a.m. (public comment for draft TIP)
    10:15–11:15 a.m. (public comment for draft LRTP)
  • Union County Government Center | 155 N 15th St, Lewisburg, PA 17837
  • Virtual option available on projects’ websites

All comments received during the public review period will be considered prior to action by the MPO. The SEDA‑COG MPO values public participation and encourages residents, stakeholders, and interested parties to help shape the region’s transportation in the future.

If anyone requires special assistance to participate, please contact Kristin McLaughlin, SEDA-COG’s project manager, at 570-524-4491.

About the SEDA-COG MPO
The SEDA-COG Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the official transportation planning organization for eight (8) Central Pennsylvania Counties (Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union), as designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.