News – Page 13 – SEDA Council of Governments

SEDA-COG Secures $1.5 Million EPA Coalition Grant for Brownfield Assessments

Posted on June 7, 2024April 7, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

SEDA-Council of Governments is proud to announce the successful award of a $1.5 million EPA Coalition Grant. This grant is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s investing in America agenda, which is providing over $300 million in grants to help states, Tribal Nations, local governments, and non-profit organizations assess and clean up polluted brownfield sites across the country.

The $1.5 million grant secured by SEDA-COG is designated for environmental assessments throughout an 11-county region in central Pennsylvania. The grant aims to provide thorough environmental assessments and reuse plans for brownfield properties, which are defined as properties that may have complications due to the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

The funds will become available on October 1, 2024. At that time, a Qualified Environmental Professional will be selected, with projects expected to begin in early 2025. Priority projects, identified in the grant application, are located in the coalition lead counties of Clinton, Mifflin, and Northumberland.

“This grant is a major step forward in revitalizing our region,” said Betsy Kramer, Community Revitalization Program Manager of SEDA-COG. “By addressing and mitigating environmental concerns on brownfield sites, we can pave the way for new developments, improve public health, and enhance the overall quality of life in our communities.”

The successful application and award of this grant highlight the collaborative efforts of the planning directors and commissioners of the lead counties, whose assistance was crucial in securing this funding. This achievement marks the third highly competitive EPA Brownfield Grant secured by the SEDA-COG Community Revitalization team since 2021, bringing the total EPA funds received to $2.8 million.

What This Grant Means for Our Region:

Revitalization and Economic Growth: This funding will enable the transformation of previously unusable land into valuable community assets, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. New developments such as diversifying downtown businesses and creating new affordable housing opportunities are key anticipated outcomes.

Public Health and Quality of Life: By addressing environmental concerns, we can improve public health and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents.

Infrastructure Connectivity: The project will capitalize on and connect with existing infrastructure such as biking and pedestrian trails, parks, and downtown revitalization initiatives.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the planning directors and commissioners of Mifflin, Clinton, and Northumberland counties for their unwavering support and collaboration in this endeavor,” added Frankie Cabradilla Hockenbrocht, Community Capacity Coordinator of SEDA-COG. “Their efforts have been instrumental in securing this transformative funding for our region. We also thank the talented and intelligent team at SEDA-COG, who are doing inspiring work in our communities every day.”

For more information about this grant and its impact on our region, please contact:

Betsy Kramer
Community Revitalization
SEDA-COG
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
(570) 524-4491
bkramer@seda-cog.org

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.

For more information, please contact Nancy Osborn, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-254-4491 x7234 or 570-768-0525 or nosborn@seda-cog.org.

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities

Berwick Borough Looking to Expand Waitlist for Housing Rehabilitation Grant

Posted on August 10, 2023 by DNS Admin

Berwick Borough is applying to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $300,000 housing rehabilitation grant and interested residents who live within the borough 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 borough 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 borough will 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.

The borough has partnered with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) to administer the grant. Interested residents may call SEDA-COG to speak with Audrey Frederick at 570-524-4491 Ext. 7215.

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 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 borough limits of Berwick;
• 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 – $43,900; 2 – $50,150; 3 – $56,400; 4 – $62,650; 5 – $67,700; 6 – $72,700; 7 – $77,700; 8 – $82,700.

Montour County Looking to Expand Waitlist for Housing Rehabilitation Grant

Posted on August 10, 2023 by DNS Admin

Montour County is applying to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $300,000 housing rehabilitation grant and interested residents who live within the county 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 county 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 county will 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.

Montour County has partnered with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) to administer the grant. Interested residents may call SEDA-COG to speak with Audrey Frederick at 570-524-4491 Ext. 7215.

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 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, “We help the homeowner get the necessary home repairs and manage the logistics from start to finish.”

Qualifications:

• Must live in Montour County;
• 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 – $50,900; 2 – $58,150; 3 – $65,400; 4 – $72,650; 5 – $78,500; 6 – $84,300; 7 – $90,100; 8 – $95,900.

Borough of Milton Looking to Expand Waitlist for Housing Rehabilitation Grant 

Posted on June 19, 2023June 19, 2023 by DNS Admin

News Release
June 20, 2023

The Borough of Milton recently received a $500,000 housing rehabilitation grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Interested residents who live within the Borough 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 Borough 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 Borough 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 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 Borough limits of Milton;
• 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 – $43,250; 2 – $49,400; 3 – $55,600; 4 – $61.750; 5 – $66,700; 6 – $71,650; 7 – $76,600; 8 – $81,550.

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

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities
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