News – Page 2 – SEDA Council of Governments

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

Posted on April 23, 2026April 24, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

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.

Community, Leaders Celebrate Independence Street Revitalization Groundbreaking

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

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

Posted on April 9, 2026April 9, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

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.

SEDA-COG Offers Resolution to HOME Grantees

Posted on March 25, 2026March 26, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA — At its Mar. 25, 2026 meeting, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Board of Directors voted to expend funds to HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grantees who are required to make repayments to the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development (DCED) on contracts administered by SEDA-COG.

As of Mar. 25, 2026, SEDA-COG is aware of four grantees who have been asked to pay back all or a portion of their contract due to errors found during a programmatic monitoring.

Two of the grantees are currently in an appeals process with DCED. Until the appeals process is complete, it is not known if payback from these grantees will be required.

The remaining two grantees have agreed to the repayments requested by DCED. A motion was made and passed at today’s SEDA-COG Board of Directors meeting to offer contributions to the City of Lock Haven and the Borough of Berwick towards their respective repayments.

Due to the shared responsibility between SEDA-COG as the administrator of the HOME funds and the grantee as the recipient of the funds, SEDA-COG has offered to pay 75% of the requested payback, plus 100% of the administration fees paid to SEDA-COG.

As previously disclosed in a Jun.16, 2025 press release, SEDA-COG discovered and self-reported the potential mismanagement of two HOME projects they were administering under their Housing Rehabilitation program.

After DCED’s investigation into the incident, they requested files directly from SEDA-COG for ten additional HOME contracts administered by SEDA-COG for programmatic monitoring. Following the monitoring, DCED issued monitoring letters directly to grantees.

Most programs receiving federal or state funds are monitored on a regular basis. SEDA-COG supports this approach by funding sources in order to mitigate the risk of waste, mismanagement, or intentional misuse of funds.

SEDA-COG contacted all eleven grantees who received the monitoring letters and worked with those who responded by providing additional research and documentation. As a result, many of the grantees found resolution with DCED regarding some or all of the findings in their monitoring letter.

SEDA-COG emphasizes the errors in administration, involving the HOME funds administered through the Housing Rehabilitation program, were isolated to that program.

In order to focus on delivering the high-quality services and reestablishing the trust expected from the nearly 70 years of service to the region, the SEDA-COG Board voted Feb. 25, 2026, to close the agency’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

SEDA-COG views offering contributions towards repayment and closing the program as a show of commitment to finding a practical resolution while ensuring, through their various other programs, they remain focused on projects that provide meaningful benefit to all who are served.

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.