News

SEDA-COG Receives $1 Million EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Grant

Posted on May 30, 2023 by DNS Admin

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has been awarded a highly competitive $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This award will create the opportunity to assist the SEDA-COG region by capitalizing a Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and further expanding its already established and successful EPA Brownfields program under the SEDA-COG Community Services Division.

A Brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. SEDA-COG has previous success with EPA 128(a) Technical Assistance and EPA Community-Wide Assessment Grants.

With this new funding opportunity, SEDA-COG’s Business Finance Department will be able to further assist with real estate development and reuse by providing loans and subgrants to support Brownfields cleanup activities. This new program will initially focus on the city of Shamokin in Northumberland County but will allow SEDA-COG to offer this RLF to SEDA-COG’s 11-county region, which includes the counties of Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, and Union. When RLF loans are repaid, the loan amount is returned to the fund and loaned to other borrowers, providing an ongoing source of capital within the SEDA-COG region.

Betsy Kramer serves as SEDA-COG’s revitalization coordinator in the city of Shamokin. She is excited for the opportunity to administer the Brownfields funds. “This grant will encourage stakeholders to leverage resources to clean up and redevelop brownfields so they can be improved for future economic development; it’s a big win for the city and the SEDA-COG region.” stated Kramer.

Kim Wheeler, SEDA-COG Executive Director, said, “This grant award is a great accomplishment for our 11-county region. I’m proud of our staff. They worked diligently to submit the grant application and SEDA-COG was 1 of 15 grant recipients in the nation.” Wheeler stated, “This grant will allow us to work together with communities to safely clean up and reuse brownfield sites.”

This new RLF loan fund will be beginning late 2023. For more information on the SEDA-COG EPA Brownfield program, please contact Betsy Kramer at bkramer@seda-cog.org or by calling (570) 524-4491 x 7203.

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.

Job Opportunity: Full-Time or Part-Time Maintenance Technician

Posted on April 25, 2023 by DNS Admin

Primary responsibilities of the candidate include but not limited to:

– Groundskeeping and landscaping
– Building maintenance
– Fleet vehicle management – maintenance, service scheduling
– Janitorial services. (Full-time only)
– Snow removal for sidewalks, walkways, and stairs.
– Basic HVAC maintenance.
– Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Required qualifications/skills:

– High School diploma or equivalent
– Valid PA Driver’s license
– Experience with grounds/building maintenance and/or construction
– General custodial knowledge
– Comfortable with heights
– Basic computer literacy

Preferred qualifications/skills:

– Construction, electrical, plumbing experience preferred but not required.

Applicants are expected to supply a resume outlining work history and skills, by May 14, 2023 via mail or email to:

Amanda Owens, Human Resources Director
SEDA-Council of Governments
201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837
aowens@seda-cog.org

SEDA-Council of Governments is a public development organization based in Lewisburg, PA, serving 11 central Pennsylvania counties. www.seda-cog.org

SEDA-COG…Building strong economies & strong communities

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Request For Quotes: Network Engineering Review

Posted on March 31, 2023 by DNS Admin

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is requesting quotes from Broadband/Network Engineers to provide consulting services which include verification of ISP design feasibility, review of payment applications, and verification of ISP performance metrics for a broadband expansion project currently underway in Clinton, Lycoming, Northumberland, and Union Counties.

The broadband expansion project will provide a minimum of 100/100mb service to businesses and 50/10mb service to residents within the project areas.

Complete quote details, may be obtained by contacting:

Scott Kramer, Principal IT Specialist
SEDA-COG
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
skramer@seda-cog.org

Quotes will be accepted until 2:00pm prevailing time (EST), Monday, April 24th, 2023, at which time they will be publicly opened at the offices of SEDA-COG. Proposals shall be on the forms required, sealed, and clearly marked on the outside, “NETWORK ENGINEERING REVIEW PROPOSAL,” and submitted to:

Scott Kramer, Principal IT Specialist
SEDA-COG
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837

Quotes that are faxed or e-mailed to SEDA-COG cannot be accepted.

Download: RFQ – Network Engineering Review

City of Lock Haven Looking to Expand Waitlist for Housing Rehabilitation Grant

Posted on March 28, 2023 by

The City of Lock Haven had received a housing rehabilitation grant and interested residents who live within the City limits should apply now to get on the waiting list for the no-cost repairs.

Qualified residents may receive up to $65,000 each for home repairs. The City will provide up to $50,000, 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. The City shall also provide an additional $15,000 in funding that will be used to do rehabilitation work related to lead-based paint abatement or mitigation, as required.

Interested residents may call SEDA-Council of Governments’ (SEDA-COG) Ruth Wiest at 570-524-4491 Ext. 7252.

Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements. Modifications for mobility-impaired residents are also eligible within this program. Homeowners must maintain home residency over a five-year period from the date of signing in order for this service to be received at no cost.

“SEDA-COG manages the entire process for the homeowner,” said Joel Ruch, Housing Rehabilitation Manager of the agency’s Community Services Division.

Ruch continued, “Not only does the homeowner get necessary home repairs, but they also get the benefit of going through the process hassle-free as we manage the logistics from start to finish.”

Qualifications:

• Must live in the City limits of Lock Haven;

• Own the home or have Life Rights to live in it;

• Meet income qualifications based on household size;

• Be current on all local taxes and municipal utility bills;

• Provide proof of homeowner’s insurance;

• If located in a flood zone, must provide proof of flood insurance;

• Live in the home an additional five years.

Additional requirements may apply.

Annual Gross Income Limits:

Family size: 1 – $40,800; 2 – $46,600; 3 – $52,450; 4 – $58,250; 5 – $62,950; 6 – $67,600; 7 – $72,250; 8 – $76,900.