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

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.

Invitation for Bid: Champlain Avenue Demolition Project

The Clinton County Redevelopment Authority (CCRA) will receive sealed bids for the demolition of a duplex residential structure located at 215 and 217 Champlain Avenue, Renovo Borough. Documents will be available for viewing on Monday, April 20, 2026. Bids will be received at the County Planning Office, 2 Piper Way, Suite 244, Lock Haven, PA 17745, until 1:00 PM local prevailing time on the 12th day of May, 2026, at which time the bids will be read aloud within the 2nd Floor Conference Room for the following project:

215/217 Champlain Avenue Demolition Project

Work will include site signage, traffic control, asbestos removal, utility capping and demolition of one wood framed duplex residential structure located at 215/217 Champlain Avenue.

Copies of the Contract Documents may be viewed at the Offices of the Clinton County Planning Department, 2 Piper Way, Suite 244, Lock Haven, PA 17745 during normal business hours. Paper copies of the Contract Documents may be obtained for a $50.00 non-refundable fee. There will be a prebid meeting on May 1, 2026 at the project site.

A certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Clinton County Redevelopment Authority, or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the Bidder and an acceptable surety in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total of the Bid, shall be submitted with each bid. The Bidder shall include the fully completed Non-Collusion Affidavit with the bid.

In addition to the Equal Employment requirements of Executive Order 11246 regarding discrimination, the CONTRACTOR must establish a 6.9% goal for female participation and a 1% goal for minority participation in his/her aggregate on-site construction workforce for contracts in excess of $10,000.

Clinton County is the recipient of CDBG federal funds. Clinton County has entered into a sub-recipient agreement for the project with the County Redevelopment Authority. Clinton County has adopted a Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) plan in accordance with Executive Orders 11625, 12138, and 12432 and a Section 3 Action Plan in accordance with Title 24 Part 75 Code of Federal Regulations.

As such, the bidders/offerors must submit documentary evidence of minority and women business enterprises and Section 3 business concerns who have been contacted and to whom commitments have been made. Documentation of such solicitations and commitments shall be submitted with the bid. In accordance with the Buy America, Build America Act, Clinton County and CCRA must also adhere to such requirements, the bidders/offerors must adhere to these requirements and submit the included certification.
Moreover, the CONTRACTOR shall strive to meet the MBE goal of 5% and the WBE goal of 3% for contracts of $25,000 or more. For projects which the amount of HUD or CDBG funding exceeds $200,000 the CONTRACTOR must attempt to meet the minimum numerical goals of which 25% or more of the total number of labor hours worked by all workers on a Section 3 project are Section 3 workers, per 24 CFR Part 75.19; and 5% or more of the total number of labor hours worked by all workers on a Section 3 project are Targeted Section 3 workers, as defined in 24 CFR Part 75.21. CCRA, through its funding agreement with Clinton County, in accordance with its Section 3 Action Plan, may provide a bid preference to a bidder who is a Section 3 business concern. MBE/WBE and Section 3 business concerns shall be afforded full opportunity to bid without discrimination. Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Rates and Related Acts apply to this Project.

Bids may be held by the CCRA for up to 60 days from the date of opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders prior to awarding the contract. The CCRA reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularities, or to negotiate contract amounts.

Beth Riccardo
CCRA Chair

Community, Leaders Celebrate Independence Street Revitalization Groundbreaking

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.

Community Invited to Groundbreaking for Independence Street Revitalization

Image description: Rendering of Independence Street between 8th Street and Liberty Street, illustrating the proposed Phase 2 streetscape improvements.

Shamokin, PA — The City of Shamokin, in partnership with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), will host a groundbreaking ceremony to officially kick off construction for the Independence Street Streetscape Project.

The ceremony will take place on Monday, Apr. 20, 2026, at 10 a.m., at the intersection of 9th Street and Independence Street.

The event will be held as scheduled, regardless of weather. Street parking is available along the side street. This will be a ceremonial groundbreaking, with construction expected to begin in late April or early May.

The project represents a major investment in Shamokin’s future, focusing on improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, and the overall streetscape experience along one of the City’s most important corridors.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser is expected to attend and will join local and regional leaders in celebrating this milestone. Federal funding secured through congressional support has played a critical role in funding this project.

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.

Planned improvements include upgraded sidewalks, ADA accessibility enhancements, improved lighting, crosswalks, and streetscape features designed to support local businesses and enhance quality of life.

“This project represents years of planning, partnership, and persistence,” said Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization for SEDA-COG. “It’s incredibly exciting to see this vision move into implementation and to continue building momentum in Shamokin.”

Community members, stakeholders, and the public are encouraged to attend and celebrate this exciting step forward.

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.