A Small, Rural Community with
Critical Infrastructure Needs

Clean, safe drinking water is one such issue.  For years, the lower half of Farrandsville had public water service through the Whiskey Run Water Association

The small, rural community of Farrandsville is six miles from Lock Haven.

(WRWA), while the other half relied on wells or public springs.  However, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) found that Whiskey Run's water source was susceptible to surface water and in 2006 the company was directed to find a new source. 

Those without public water faced a more serious situation.  The springs that supplied them with water are vulnerable to surface water, causing bacterial contamination.  On-lot sewage treatment systems threaten the water with coliforms and, in some cases,

The Farrandsville Church is one of the few non-residential water customers.

E. Coli, findings confirmed when SEDA-COG took water samples in the village. 

The solution was found in a water extension and interconnection project, recently completed at a cost of $2.1 million.  The Suburban Lock Haven Water Authority (SLHWA) installed a new water main and booster station, and connected to WRWA's system; providing safe drinking water to the lower half of Farrandsville, while creating additional volume and pressure to serve the upper half of the village as well. 

Important community improvements occur when there is active leadership to initiate, develop, and see them through.  The Clinton County Commissioners and Planning Department filled that role, providing $98,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and working with SEDA-COG, which secured a $500,000 Competitive CDBG grant for the project.  Funding also included $1.2 million from H2O PA, and $410,000 from PENNVEST - secured through the efforts of Suburban Lock Haven Water Authority.  Homeowners will pay a monthly bill, determined by water meters. 

The involvement of CDBG funds in the Farrandsville water project is no surprise.  As is often the case in rural America, the Community Development program responds when infrastructure is needed to provide essential public services. 

Read more about the Farrandsville water project. View photos on Facebook. Learn more about SEDA-COG's Community Development program.

Revised Schedule Puts Rail Bridge Reconstruction Project on the Fast Track

Restoration of the White Deer railroad bridge, in northern Union County, is expected to be complete by late September.  As a result, rail service will be available to prospective industrial tenants in the Great Stream Commons Business Park.  The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) is reconstructing the bridge at a cost of nearly $1,000,000. 

A revised construction schedule, announced by the
SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority, allowed a traffic detour around the White Deer Pike to be lifted early.  Commenting on the detour, Jeff Stover, Executive Director, JRA, said, "It simply wasn't safe for cars and trucks on the White Deer Pike, through the reconstruction project.  Guardrail was removed and heavy equipment was constantly in motion.  Work was being done on the bridge piers right alongside the road and there was always the

Driving piles on the south pier of the bridge. The closed portion of White Deer Pike is in the background.

possibility of tools or equipment falling from the railroad bridge as the project proceeded.

The revised, accelerated schedule was worked out by Lycoming Supply, contractor on the project; John Conrad, the JRA's bridge engineer; PennDOT; and representatives of the Rail Authority.  "When completed," said Stover, "the reconstructed railroad bridge will be higher than the old one providing more clearance for trucks passing underneath and will provide for improved site distance for vehicles exiting Depot Road.  Other improvements impacting vehicular traffic include the construction of two new grade crossings at Leiser Road, plus a culvert located just north of Route I-80 is being upsized to relieve flooding on the west side of Old Route 15, where it intersects with Leiser Road."

John Showers, Union County Commissioner, is particularly looking forward to the bridge's completion, stating, "The County's foremost marketing strategy to sell commercial real estate holdings at Great Stream Commons industrial/commercial park is predicated on the return of rail freight service to northern Union County and Great Stream Commons.  Union County's ability to boast of a two-million square foot commercial/industrial site pad that is rail served places us on the short list of such sites in all of Pennsylvania and the entire Mid-Atlantic Region."

Read more about the White Deer railroad bridge.  Learn more about the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority.

 Byte-sized News . . .

SEDA-COG's Weatherization program has achieved the highest level of energy savings in UGI's Penn Natural Gas division for the fourth year in a row.  We're one of 14 agencies in the division under contract with UGI to provide weatherization services.  Homes weatherized through SEDA-COG are averaging 20% energy savings.  

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The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is holding its 4th annual photo contest ─ Treasured Towns & Landscapes of the Susquehanna Greenway.  Entries may be submitted through February 1, 2014.  Categories include Treasured Landscapes, Susquehanna River Towns, People & the River, and a Youth Category for individuals under 18 years old.  

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For the third consecutive month, Pennsylvania's unemployment rate held steady at 7.5% in July, the state's lowest unemployment rate since March 2009.  Four thousand private sector jobs were added.  

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Martin Dreibelbis has been appointed to SEDA-COG's Board of Directors as Juniata County's additional representative.  Mr. Dreibelbis is Chairman of the Walker Township Supervisors.  

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The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership has presented its first Investing in River Towns award to Susquehanna Health, which operates the Williamsport Regional Medical Center.  Several years ago Susquehanna Health made the decision to expand within the City, rather than move its campus out of town.  

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SEDA-COG's annual International Trade Conference will be held in State College on September 24.  It's your company's opportunity to meet with Pennsylvania's Trade Representatives covering more than 70 global markets.  Registration deadline is September 4.  

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The Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society's summer newsletter is out, with information on excursions, photo contests, and rail car restoration.  

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SEDA-COG's Public Transit Committee wants to know your concerns and opinions about public transit service in Central Pennsylvania?  Be watching for their electronic survey next month with questions about travel, public transportation, and the importance of transit service.

Upcoming Events & Activities 

"Central Pennsylvania International Trade Conference"
State College ─ Sept. 24 

Government Contracting Seminars
Chambersburg ─ Oct. 8
Gettysburg ─ Sept. 6
Harrisburg ─ Sept. 12, 18, 25; Oct. 2
Lewistown ─ Sept. 11
State College ─ Oct. 3
Williamsport ─ Sept. 27 

International Trade Seminar on Product Classification
State College ─ Oct. 24 

Roadway Maintenance & Safety Training for Municipalities
Berwick ─ Oct. 24
Lock Haven ─ Oct. 4
Northumberland ─ Sept. 13
State College ─ Sept. 20
 

SEDA-COG Board of Directors
Lewisburg ─ Sept. 25

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
Lewisburg ─ Sept. 11

SEDA-COG Metropolitan Planning Organization
Lewisburg ─ Oct. 11