Category: Community Revitalization

SEDA-COG and Mount Carmel Borough Receive Grants to Benefit Our Region

SEDA-COG and Mount Carmel Borough Receive Grants to Benefit Our Region

Posted on by Gabriela Huerta

$187,100 and $19,500 respectively
SEDA-COG will use the grant to prepare a multi-county Greenway Plan
Mount Carmel Borough will use its funds to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for Oak Street Park

Lewisburg, PA –SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), a community and economic development agency serving Central Pennsylvania, will receive $187,100 from a Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grant, while Mount Carmel Borough, in Northumberland County will receive $19,500.

The grants, funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), looks to fund projects that help communities improve parks and playgrounds, build and repair trails, conserve open space, restore rivers and watersheds, and grow local economies through outdoor recreation.

“Pennsylvania’s parks and trails give us a place to make memories with our families, take a breath and lower our blood pressure, and just enjoy nature,” said Governor Shapiro.

“These awards help us move community priorities toward reality – from connecting trails, parks and downtowns across four counties to envisioning a welcoming neighborhood park in Mount Carmel. Thoughtful planning gives our communities a stronger foundation to pursue funding and create places that serve residents, attract visitors and support local businesses. We’re grateful for the investment and the partnerships making this work possible,” said Betsy Kramer, Director of Community Revitalization & Resiliency at SEDA-COG.

SEDA-COG will use the grant to prepare a multi-county Greenway Plan for Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder counties, while Mount Carmel Borough, Northumberland County will use its funds to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 0.26-acre Oak Street Park which will establish a framework for the site’s future development as a neighborhood recreation and gathering space, with an electronic written report and site development drawing.

Supported by SEDA-COG, Mount Carmel Borough’s planning effort will help them evaluate community needs, establish design priorities and prepare for future funding opportunities. The work complements ongoing environmental assessment through EPA brownfields resources, helping coordinate site investigation with park planning and future redevelopment.

“The project advances Mount Carmel’s broader revitalization efforts by laying the groundwork for a welcoming public space that benefits residents and strengthens the surrounding neighborhood,” added Kramer.

On behalf of Mount Carmel Borough, SEDA-COG has also applied for matching funds through DCED Act 13 Greenway Recreation Trail Program (GTRP) to support this project and they are awaiting the award announcement.

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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 which include Grant Assistance for Communities & Nonprofit Organizations.

SEDA-COG Helps Secure $475k for Regional Safety and Flood Mitigation Projects

Posted on by Gabriela Huerta

Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), a community and economic development agency serving Central Pennsylvania, helped Montour and Columbia counties secure a combined $475,000 through the Local Share Account (LSA) Statewide program.

The two projects, supported by SEDA-COG’s Community Revitalization and Community Development teams, will improve public safety by strengthening emergency communication, and reduce flood risks for residents, businesses, and critical community assets.

Montour County emergency warning system

Montour County was awarded $225,000 to develop a countywide emergency warning system. Alimara “Ali” Cassidy, SEDA-COG Community Revitalization Program Coordinator, assisted the county with preparation of the successful grant application.

The system will use rain gauges, stream gauges, cameras, and audible warning alerts to provide earlier notification of flooding and other emergencies. The audible-alert component is particularly important for reaching residents who may not have reliable or regular access to cellphones, internet service, or other communications technology.

By expanding the county’s ability to monitor conditions and alert the public quickly, the project will enhance emergency preparedness and help protect residents throughout Montour County.

Columbia County flood mitigation

Columbia County was awarded $250,000 for the benched floodplain phase of the West End Flood Mitigation Project. Betsy Kramer, SEDA-COG Director of Community Revitalization and Resiliency, developed the application in partnership with SEDA-COG’s Community Development program and Columbia County.

The West End Flood Mitigation Project is a coordinated effort to address recurring flooding in the Town of Bloomsburg and Hemlock Township. The planned benched floodplain along Fishing Creek will increase the area’s capacity to store and convey floodwaters, helping reduce the frequency and severity of flooding that affects homes, businesses, transportation routes, and the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.

According to SEDA-COG, “this work represents another important step toward the larger West End flood-protection system and will help Columbia County meet federal requirements necessary to advance future project phases.”

“These awards demonstrate what strong partnerships and carefully developed projects can accomplish for our communities,” Kramer said. “Ali did an excellent job assisting Montour County with its application, and we were proud to work across SEDA-COG programs and alongside Columbia County to advance the West End Flood Mitigation Project. Both investments will help make our region safer and more resilient.”

Legislative support

On behalf of Montour and Columbia counties, SEDA-COG extends its sincere appreciation to Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, Rep. Michael Stender, and Rep. Robert Leadbeter for their advocacy and support of these important regional projects.

Sen. Culver and Rep. Stender supported Montour County’s emergency warning system, while Sen. Culver and Rep. Leadbeter advocated for the Columbia County’s West End Flood Mitigation Project.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved both grants through the LSA Statewide program, which supports projects that enhance public safety, infrastructure, community facilities, and overall quality of life across Pennsylvania.

 

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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 which include Grant Assistance for Communities & Nonprofit Organizations.

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 DNS Admin

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.