Category: Community Revitalization

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.

Image description: Elected officials, City of Shamokin leaders, project partners, and community members participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Independence Street Streetscape Project on April 20, 2026, at the intersection of 9th Street and Independence Street.

Shamokin, PA — The City of Shamokin, in partnership with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), celebrated the groundbreaking of Phase 1 of the Independence Street Streetscape Project during a ceremony held yesterday, April 21, at the intersection of 9th Street and Independence Street.

Local, regional, and federal officials joined City leaders, project partners, and community members to mark the start of a major revitalization effort focused on improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, and the overall streetscape along this important Shamokin corridor.

“Today’s groundbreaking is another important step forward in our city’s ongoing revitalization,” stated Mayor Michael McLaughlin. He noted that the Independence Street project is one of several efforts underway across Shamokin and that, together, “we are laying the groundwork, literally and figuratively, for long-term progress.”

McLaughlin continued, “None of this happens alone, this project is a result of strong collaboration between the City of Shamokin, Congressman Meuser, Senator Culver, Representative Stehr, Commissioners Schiccatano, Klebon, and Beck, other county, state, and federal partners, SEDA-COG, and our community. It shows what is possible when we all come together. We are building momentum, project by project, towards a stronger future.”

Building on the theme of shared progress and long-term commitment, Rep. Joann Stehr emphasized the broader meaning of the milestone, stating, “Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction, it reflects real progress and a shared commitment to moving this community forward.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser also spoke during the ceremony, recognizing the importance of continued federal investment in community infrastructure projects such as the revitalization of Independence Street.

The Independence Street Streetscape Project is a key implementation effort of the GoShamokin! Revitalization Plan, a comprehensive strategy adopted by the City in 2020 to guide economic and community development.

Phase 1 construction improvements extend from 9th Street to the railroad crossing at Liberty Street and are expected to enhance pedestrian safety, accessibility, traffic flow, streetscape aesthetics, and the overall visitor experience entering downtown Shamokin.

The project was designed by Stromberg, Garrigan & Associates, with Phase 1 construction being completed by Mid-State Construction. Representatives from both firms were in attendance for the ceremony.

“This project has always been about more than sidewalks and streetscape improvements—it is about pride, opportunity, and believing in Shamokin’s future. We will keep pushing forward, keep building partnerships, and keep bringing investment into this community because Shamokin deserves nothing less,” said Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG.

Additional partners recognized during the event included Northumberland County leadership, the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, and numerous local, state, and federal supporters.

Construction is expected to begin in late April or early May.

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.