SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has taken corrective actions after its own internal investigation as well as a state Department of Community & Economic Development (PA DCED). PA DCED investigation found issues regarding past contracts in SEDA-COG’s grant-funded housing rehabilitation program, a press release said.

The organization, based in Lewisburg, is among seven local development districts throughout the state, seeking to “enhance the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives,” according to the release.

“SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has been actively investigating the potential mismanagement of two housing rehabilitation projects under our administration in the Borough of Berwick,” the release said, noting that since discovering the potential issues in 2024, borough officials were notified.

“Over the past decade, we have managed the rehabilitation of 308 homes in 14 communities, with an investment of almost $15 million. The projects affected by the PA DCED findings represent a small number of total contracts,” according to the press release.

SEDA-COG reiterated their focus on improving their processes, as well as their delivery of services to those they serve, the release said.

“We have restructured the management of the program and are committed to working with both the PA DCED and affected municipalities to efficiently and effectively take corrective action,” the organization said.

Efforts to rectify the issues found in the reviews are ongoing, and the board of directors and staff, with an emphasis on transparency, will continue to brief their stakeholders as these measures progress.