Economic Development – SEDA Council of Governments

SEDA-COG Helps Secure $500,000 ARC Grant for First Responder Training Expansion in Lycoming County

Posted on October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 by Nancy Osborn

Photo courtesy of Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company: Leaders of the Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company gather around the blueprints, envisioning the future as they review plans for the renovation and expansion.

Lewisburg, PA – The Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company (OLTVFC) has been awarded $500,000 through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Area Development Grant. The funding will support the renovation and expansion of OLTVFC’s Regional Training Center to meet growing demand for first responder training in Northcentral Pennsylvania.

SEDA-COG, working with OLTVFC and their consultant, completed the application that led to the funding award. The $500,000 ARC grant will be matched with $2,221,935 of state and local funds to complete the project.

The project will renovate 8,000 square feet of existing space and add 3,000 square feet to accommodate college live-in students and expand training offerings.

The enhanced facility will support OLTVFC’s Careers in First Response program, which aims to address the critical shortage of trained emergency personnel.

“As a former volunteer firefighter, I understand the need to recruit future volunteer firefighters, especially in rural areas,” wrote U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson in his letter of support for the OLTVFC application.

“Ensuring a steady supply of trained first responders is a critical need for the economy and safety of Central Pennsylvania. This project will make first response training more accessible and appealing to individuals interested in pursuing careers in this field,” he added.

According to the PA Department of Labor & Industry, Advance Central PA has identified Emergency Medical Technicians & paramedics as a High Priority Occupation due to its anticipated employment growth over the next decade (+15.5%).

This investment will help OLTVFC expand its reach and impact, creating up to 10 new jobs, including employment opportunities for first responders such as firefighters and paramedics, and serving Clinton, Lycoming, and Tioga Counties through enhanced career training in firefighting, emergency medical services, and healthcare professions.

“This project allows us to better serve our communities by preparing more individuals for careers in emergency response,” said OLTVFC President Tim Shumbat. “With expanded space and resources, we can train more students and volunteers who are essential to public safety in our region.”

About ARC
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC and the SEDA-COG Local Development District to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation.

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.

The Rivet at Discovery Space Receives ARC Funding to Support Rural Entrepreneurs in Central PA

Posted on October 20, 2025October 20, 2025 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – The Rivet at Discovery Space in State College has been awarded $42,675 through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Area Development Grant. This investment will support rural entrepreneurs through a new cohort-based professional learning program.

Dr. Michele Crowl of Discovery Space partnered with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) to develop and submit the successful grant application.

“We’re excited to help rural entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses,” said Dr. Michele Crowl, Executive Director of Discovery Space. “This program is about unlocking potential and building community.”

The initiative will help new and small businesses strengthen and expand their operations, providing a structured journey for participants to develop essential business skills, set financial goals, and create actionable business plans.

“This program focuses on equipping artisans, craftspeople, and small-scale manufacturers with essential business skills, promoting local small business growth and economic stability,” wrote U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson in a letter of support for the grant application.

“This investment will not only create new opportunities for local makers but also contribute to Pennsylvania’s broader economic development by strengthening small creative enterprises, fostering regional economic resilience, and ensuring that business resources are accessible beyond traditional urban centers,” wrote U.S. Senator John Fetterman in his letter of support for the grant application.

ARC funds will support staffing, equipment, and services to position The Rivet as a vital resource for rural entrepreneurs.

Photo available courtesy of Discovery Space.

Photo description: Two people work on a woodworking project at The Rivet in State College.

About ARC
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC and the SEDA-COG Local Development District to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation.

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 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.

ClearWater Conservancy Receives $2M from Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative

Posted on November 6, 2024November 6, 2024 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – ClearWater Conservancy has been awarded $2,000,000 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for the ClearWater Community Conservation Center Ecotourism, Agritourism, and Agribusiness Hub project.

The project includes construction of a new, 9,350-square-foot community center in Centre County, which will serve as a community space and hub for visitor information and local conservation efforts. This new center aims to foster community engagement and support local conservation, while contributing to economic growth by creating five new jobs and drawing thousands of visitors by 2029.

“ClearWater staff are so excited to move into this new, permanent home in the heart of the Spring Creek Watershed, where we can continue to grow in service to the community while building our volunteer base and providing a center for on-the-ground conservation education,” said ClearWater Conservancy Executive Director Elizabeth Crisfield.

The center will include a visitor information kiosk, training opportunities for businesses in agritourism and conservation best practices, guided tours for visitors to local natural sites, mine land reclamation and acid mine drainage remediation efforts, and development of local trails through the Conservancy’s Rothrock Trail Alliance.

ClearWater Conservancy applied for the grant last summer with assistance from Dane Higbee, principal at Delta Development Group, Inc and Betsy Lockwood, director of project development and grants at SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG). The grant was awarded in October.

This award is part of a recently announced $68.2 million award package supporting 65 projects in 188 coal-impacted counties through ARC’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which directs federal resources to economic diversification projects in Appalachian communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC and the SEDA-COG Local Development District to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation.

“ARC’s POWER initiative supports coal-impacted communities’ preparation for the next phase of Appalachia’s economy, while ensuring that residents have a say in the course of their own futures” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “The investments announced in this round of POWER will help train workers, advance new industries, and build upon the progress already being made toward a brighter future full of economic opportunity for our region.”

Including today’s award package, ARC has invested over $484.7 million in 564 projects impacting 365 coal-impacted counties since POWER was established in 2015. ARC’s investments have helped create or retain nearly 54,000 jobs and prepare nearly 170,000 workers and students for new opportunities in entrepreneurship, broadband, tourism, and other growing industries.

ClearWater Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and conservation organization ensuring central Pennsylvania is beautiful, healthy and vibrant. They work alongside the community to connect, protect, restore and steward our natural resources.

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.

Boost for Penn Highlands Community College Centre County Expansion: Secures Grant for Equipment and Furniture

Posted on October 29, 2024November 6, 2024 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – Penn Highland’s Community College expanded into Centre County, opening a 5,500 sq. ft. educational facility in Bellefonte Borough last August.

Earlier this month, the college was awarded a $49,537 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to support this expansion. The funds will be used to purchase equipment and furniture, enhancing the educational experience for 300-400 students. Additionally, the college aims to train 100 incumbent workers, enhancing their skill sets, over the next three years.

“We want to emphasize the positive impact this grant will have as we work to provide new types of quality, affordable educational opportunities to students in and around Centre County,” stated Omar Strohm, Associate Vice President of Finance. “We want our students to have the most impactful resources available at their disposal.”

The Appalachian Region Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC and the SEDA-COG Local Development District to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation.

The expansion of Penn Highlands into Centre County is a unique opportunity to improve access to higher education, particularly for economically disadvantaged individuals, first-generation students, working adults, parents, and those needing academic support. Penn Highlands’ mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and quality educational opportunities to the communities it serves. While other postsecondary institutions exist in Centre County, Penn Highlands complements—not competes with—them by offering unique programs and affordable pathways to degrees and certificates.

Penn Highlands Centre County emphasizes a select range of courses and academic programs, some designated as High Priority Occupations for Centre County, ensuring students are equipped for in-demand careers that align with local employers’ needs and boost the region’s economic growth.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is committed to delivering accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population, promoting both personal and professional development. Penn Highlands offers over 40 associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas to its entire service area and beyond. With options for in-person, blended, and online classes, students enjoy the flexibility needed to transition smoothly into the workforce or continue their education. Beyond credit programs, Penn Highlands provides various certificates, non-credit courses, and customized workforce development training, supporting workforce expansion.

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.