News

Berwick Borough Looking to Expand Waitlist for Housing Rehabilitation Grant

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

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 

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
www.seda-cog.org

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority Celebrates 40 Years of Service: A Milestone for Local Short-Line Railroad

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2023

LEWISBURG, PA – SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA), a leading short-line railroad serving 9 counties in Central Pennsylvania proudly announces its momentous achievement of 40 years of dedicated service. Established in 1983, the JRA has been an integral part of the local transportation industry, providing reliable rail freight services and fostering economic growth throughout the region through its private-public partnership with the North Shore Railroad. Consisting of 6 shortline railroads, the JRA serves over 100 customers, and in 2022 rail traffic topped 21,000 carloads.

As the JRA commemorates this significant milestone, it reflects on four decades of exceptional service, growth, and contributions to the communities it serves. With over 200 miles of rail lines spanning 9 counties, including Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union. The JRA has been a vital link in rail transportation infrastructure, facilitating the movement of goods, and supporting the local economy.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 40 years as an organization,” said Steven Beattie, Executive Director of the Joint Rail Authority. “Throughout the years, our dedicated team and our operator, the North Shore Railroad, have worked tirelessly to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions to our customers. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the communities we serve, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to excellence for many years to come.”

The JRA’s impact on the local economy has been significant, fostering job creation, attracting new industries, and supporting the growth of existing businesses. By providing a reliable and cost-effective rail transportation alternative, the short-line railroad has helped reduce congestion on roadways, lower carbon emissions, and enhance supply chain efficiency.

Over the years, the JRA has built strong partnerships with local businesses, industries, and agricultural producers, becoming an essential component of their success. By offering efficient freight services, the railroad has facilitated the movement of a wide range of goods, including raw materials, agricultural products, finished goods, and more.

To learn more about SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority’s 40 years of service and its ongoing commitment to the local community, please visit www.sedacograil.org or contact Steven Beattie, Joint Rail Authority Executive Director at (570) 524-4491.

About SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority’s mission is to preserve and foster rail service in Central Pennsylvania and to further economic development through retention, improvement and expansion of the infrastructure and the rail service it supports.

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
www.seda-cog.org