Housing rehabilitation work offers opportunity for general contractors for Sullivan County

Contractor work may include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon mitigation, energy-related improvements, and, if they have certain certifications, lead-based paint mitigation.

Housing rehabilitation bids funded with Community Development Block Grant funds typically range from $20,000 to $65,000, with timely payment to contractors.

Sullivan County and SEDA-COG strive to work with local contractors to invest in the local economy, said Teri Provost, director of SEDA-COG’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“Not only do these grant awards benefit the community and homeowners, but the local economy as we seek to work with local general contractors to perform this work,” Provost said.

This means work flexibility for contractors, Provost said.

“Contractors can choose where they want to work, so there’s tremendous work flexibility,” Provost said. “Additionally, our work is year-round, so we offer a steady flow of projects. And if they don’t want to perform lead-based paint mitigation, we don’t require that certification for lead-free homes.”

Interested contractors also have the option of meeting one-on-one with SEDA-COG to answer any questions they may have. SEDA-COG streamlines the process for contractors with a rehabilitation specialist assigned to each community.

For more information, contact SEDA-COG’s Danielle King at 570-524-4491 or dking@seda-cog.org.

Planners seek feedback on CSVT special impact study findings and recommendations

Area transportation leaders are inviting the public to share feedback on the potential transportation and land use impacts of the new Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation (CSVT) project along the Interstate 180 (I-180), US 15, and PA 147 corridors.

“We initiated the CSVT Special Impact Study as a proactive evaluation of potential impacts of the new thruway on regional land use growth and transportation systems within Lycoming, Northumberland, and Union counties. It identifies strategies for addressing those impacts,” said Scott Williams, a transportation planner with the Lycoming County Planning Commission.

The study’s action plan establishes priorities and initiatives for the region as both sections of the CSVT project become open to traffic by 2027. The action plan includes the formation of a new task force of regional planners and stakeholders that will help manage the implementation of the study’s recommendations.

Two Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) within the study area are driving the study process: Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS) and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG). WATS MPO, which serves Lycoming County, is spearheading the effort in coordination with SEDA-COG and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
“The study will be completed later this fall and will include recommendations to address forecasted impacts on highway safety, traffic operations, land use, and economic development,” said Williams. “We are identifying these strategic actions and initiatives now so the CSVT project can not only improve mobility through our region but be a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and community development.”

“Planning for the outcomes of the CSVT project is a vitally important part of our planning program,” said James Saylor, Transportation Planning Program Director of SEDA-COG. “The full extent of CSVT’s impacts may be unknown to us at this time, but this study has helped us obtain a sense of the challenges that our communities may face. Our partnerships and collaboration with the public, our municipalities, and local stakeholders play a very important role in helping us monitor the changes that may occur as the CSVT project is completed.” Elected officials, area legislators, regional stakeholders, and the public are invited to provide feedback on the study’s preliminary results on Monday, September 13, 2021. A briefing for elected officials and legislators will be held at 4:00 pm, followed by an open public meeting at 6:00 pm. The meeting agenda will include an overview of the study’s analyses of growth and development potential, highway safety, and traffic operations, as well as proposed recommendations.

The dial-in information for the Monday, September 13, 2021 virtual meeting is below:

Dial-in Number: 1 (267) 332-8737
Conference Code: 926 689 24#
For more information on how to connect to the virtual public meeting and for information on planning efforts related to CSVT, please visit http://www.lyco.org/CSVT.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Scott Williams
Transportation Supervisor/WATS MPO
Lycoming County Planning and Community Development Department
Email: swilliams@lyco.org
Phone: (570) 320-2138

James Saylor, P.E., PTOE
Program Director – Transportation Planning SEDA-Council of Governments
Email: jsaylor@seda-cog.org
Phone: (570) 524-4491 ex. 7238

About Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS)
The Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a single county MPO covering Lycoming County. Its mission is to provide a safe, reliable, efficient, environmentally sound, and socially equitable transportation system – including air, rails, roads, bridges, public transit, and trails that enhance Lycoming County’s economic vitality and quality of life. Together with PennDOT, the WATS MPO is responsible for planning for Lycoming County’s transportation systems through the development of a Long-Range Transportation
Plan (LRTP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

About SEDA-COG
The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG)’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also advocates for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels.

For more information, please contact Kristen Moyer, communications manager, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7212 or kmoyer@seda-cog.org

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities

Housing rehabilitation grants offer opportunity for general contractors

With the potential to add another community to our housing rehabilitation program, there’s an even greater opportunity for general contractors to work with municipalities and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG).

Contractor work may include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon mitigation, energy-related improvements, and, if they have certain certifications, lead-based paint mitigation.

Housing rehabilitation bids typically range from $20,000 to $65,000, with timely payment to contractors.

SEDA-COG strives to work with local contractors to invest in the local economy, said Teri Provost, director of SEDA-COG’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“Not only do these grant awards benefit the community and homeowners, but the local economy as we seek to work with local general contractors to perform this work,” Provost said.

SEDA-COG works with housing rehabilitation programs in the boroughs of Berwick, Jersey Shore, Milton, Mount Carmel, and South Williamsport; the cities of Lock Haven, Shamokin, and Sunbury; the Town of Bloomsburg and Mount Carmel Township; and Juniata, Montour, Snyder, Perry and Sullivan counties.

This means work flexibility for contractors, Provost said.

“Contractors can choose where they want to work, so there’s tremendous work flexibility,” Provost said. “Additionally, our work is year-round, so we offer a steady flow of projects. And if they don’t want to perform lead-based paint mitigation, we don’t require that certification for lead-free homes.”

Interested contractors also have the option of meeting one-on-one with SEDA-COG to answer any questions they may have. SEDA-COG streamlines the process for contractors with a rehabilitation specialist assigned to each community.

Contractors may contact SEDA-COG’s Danielle King at 570-524-4491 ext. 7325 or dking@seda-cog.org.

Grant may offer no-cost home repairs for Sullivan County homeowners

Sullivan County has designated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation work. Homeowners who live in their home full-time are encouraged to apply now to get on the waiting list.

Plus, more dollars can now be spent per home than in previous grants, so homeowners can receive up to $50,000 for rehabilitation improvements and up to an additional $25,000 to reduce and stabilize lead-based paint.

Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements. Also included are modifications for mobility-impaired residents.

The county will provide up to $75,000 as a no-interest loan, which will be forgiven if the property is not sold or transferred for at least five years after the rehabilitation is complete.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) assists the homeowner through the whole process, said Teri Provost, director of the agency’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“We help the homeowner from start to finish – from obtaining a contractor, managing the project, to anything that may arise during or after the rehabilitation process,” Provost said.

Interested homeowners may call SEDA-COG’s Stacy Anderson at 800-326-9310, ext. 7215.

Qualifications:

  • Primary residence must be in Sullivan County.
  • Own the home or have Life Rights to live in it.
  • Be current on all local taxes and municipal utility bills.
  • Provide proof of homeowner’s insurance.
  • Live in the home an additional five years.
  • Meet income qualifications base on household size below.

Gross household income not to exceed:

Size                      Income Limit

  • 1 — $36,350
  • 2 — $41,550
  • 3 — $46,750
  • 4 — $51,900
  • 5 — $56,100