Coaldale Rural Hospital & Klines Hill Road Project

NEPA held a media event with Coaldale Rural Hospital & Klines Hill Road project.

Coaldale Borough was recently awarded $221,276 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for their Coaldale Rural Hospital & Klines Hill Road project. The grant will be combined with a previous ARC grant award of $423,442 for a total of $644,418 in ARC grant funding. The Borough of Coaldale is located in Schuylkill County, PA. Founded in 1827, its name comes from its prominence as an early mining center of the anthracite coal industry. Today, the borough is home to nearly 2,500 residents.

Coaldale Borough partnered with St. Luke’s Hospital – Miner’s Campus to develop this project. St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) is a non-profit, regional, fully integrated, and nationally recognized health network with 15 campuses and more than 300 sites throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This project will provide crucial improvements to .27 miles of roadway providing patient, employee, and emergency service access to the hospital. The improvements will support more than 51,000 patients each year and allow for the creation of 25 new jobs and the retention of over 150 jobs in the community.

“NEPA Alliance is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the team at Coaldale Borough by providing technical assistance throughout the application process, and we are proud to be part of the federal, state, and local partnership that makes funding these projects possible”, said Jeffrey Box, President & CEO of NEPA Alliance.

“Coaldale Borough has been waiting five years for this project. This will link our town with a safe driving and walking area. A special thanks to St Luke's Hospital, NEPA Alliance, PA Department of Community & Economic Development, and ARC for their assistance who went beyond the call of duty to make this dream come to reality”, said Claire Remington, Coaldale Borough.

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Awarded LSA Grant

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center (NCAC) provided in-kind consulting services to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #46 in Pittston Township to support the construction of a new First Responder Training Facility. This training facility will be utilized by State Police, local law enforcement, and include special community uses for educational purposes. In May, the project, through Pittston Township as the applicant, was awarded a $294,797 Local Share Account (LSA) grant for construction. NEPA Alliance and NCAC are proud to help make this project a reality.

NEPA Hosts 2025 Tobyhanna Army Depot Legislative Briefing 

On May 2, the Tobyhanna Defense Technology Partnership (TDTP), an affiliate of the NEPA Alliance, hosted the 2025 Tobyhanna Army Depot Legislative Briefing.

This event allowed our local legislative delegation to hear directly from Tobyhanna Army Depot senior leadership on the state of the Depot, their changing mission, and potential future challenges. “Tobyhanna Army Depot is our region’s largest industrial employer,” said Jeffrey Box, President & CEO of the NEPA Alliance and co-chair of the Tobyhanna Defense Technology Partnership. “They employ over 2,500 Pennsylvanians and have an annual economic impact over $2.4 billion on Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

The breakfast featured an update from the Tobyhanna Defense Technology Partnership by TDTP co-chairs Jeffrey Box and Pat Esposito; an overview on the economic impact of Defense spending in the Commonwealth by Dr. Anette Nance, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission; and the Tobyhanna Army Depot command overview from Rob Lantka, Deputy Commander of Tobyhanna Army Depot and Kristyn Smith, Tobyhanna Army Depot Chief of Staff.

The event was made possible with the support of the Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission.

TDTP would like to thank Sen. Rosemary Brown, Rep. Kyle Donahue, Rep. Jim Haddock, Rep. Doyle Heffley, Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, Rep. Maureen Madden, Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, Rep. Tarah Probst, Rep. Brenda Pugh, and Rep. Tim Twardzik for taking time out of their schedule to attend this important event. Additionally, representatives for the Governor’s Office, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, Sen. Marty Flynn, Rep. Jeff Olsommer, and AFGE Local 1647 were also in attendance. 

Northeastern Pennsylvania Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Comment Period Open

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance serves as the Economic Development District (EDD), as designated by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the counties of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne. NEPA Alliance has prepared the 2025 – 2030 Northeastern Pennsylvania Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

The Draft CEDS is available for a 30-day public review and comment period June 5, 2025 – July 11, 2025. The CEDS can be reviewed here.

In you would like additional information on the 2025 – 2030 Northeastern Pennsylvania CEDS or would like to submit a comment, please contact Tyler Day, Community & Economic Development Manager at tday@nepa-alliance.org or (570) 891-4656. 

RISE PA Grant Application Period Open

PennTAP has secured $40 million through the RISE PA Grant Program to help small and mid-sized Pennsylvania manufacturers reduce energy use, lower emissions, and invest in long-term sustainability.

Program Benefits: 

• Grants up to $500,000 to support decarbonization projects
• Reduced GHG emissions
• Manufacturing competitiveness

Eligibility Criteria:

• Active manufacturing facilities with fewer than 500 employees
• Projects must focus on reducing industrial emissions through electrification, efficiency improvements, low-carbon fuels, on-site renewable energy, carbon capture, or reducing fugitive emissions

PennTAP can provide:

• Expert guidance to navigate the application process and strengthen your grant impact
• Approved site assessments to fulfill RISE PA eligibility requirements

APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION (ARC) 2025-2026 GRANT FUNDING ROUND

We are pleased to formally open the 2025-2026 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant funding round. Funding through the program is a federal (ARC), state (PA DCED) and local (NEPA Alliance) partnership.

As the designated Local Development District for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), we are excited to provide information related to the ARC Area Development and ARC Local Access Road Programs. NEPA serves as the regional partner and conduit for ARC Funding. Most of the pre-applications will be considered for funding in the Spring/Summer of 2026, however, some projects may be considered for funding earlier due to additional or unused funds from this fiscal year.

For more information on funding priorities and how to apply, please contact Kurt Bauman. 

NEPA Alliance is conducting its annual membership campaign.

The NEPA Alliance values the opportunity to work with all stakeholders in our seven-county region. Our goal is to provide the best possible community and economic development services to create and retain jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Membership Benefits

• FREE Networking Reception Invite for One Person ($125 Value)
• FREE Use of Meeting Space
• FREE Member Spotlight
• Discount on NEPA Event Costs
• Discount on Business Loan (.5%)
• Discounted Economic Impact Analysis/Research
• Sponsorship & Marketing Opportunities

NEPA Alliance serves businesses, communities, and governments throughout seven counties and we need your assistance!

Our general annual membership starts at $295.

You can complete your membership online, including payment by clicking the button below.

Need more information? Visit our membership hub, or contact Donna Hritz at dhritz@nepa-alliance.org or call 570-891-4666.

Member Spotlight

Ashley Machine & Tool Company

This month’s membership spotlight is Ashley Machine & Tool Account. NEPA spoke with John J. Mulhern, Jr., President/CEO.

Ashley Machine & Tool, founded in 1945, is a full-service machine shop offering a range of CNC machines of various sizes and capabilities. They currently concentrate on the aviation, space and defense industries but are diverse enough to help many others as well. Throughout their history, they have produced parts for various commercial and military aircrafts, carrier fleet catapults and the Lunar Modules.

Ashley Machine does not provide products directly to the local area, but the Mulhern family is passionate about the community. They try to send any work they need done to other local businesses. If any local business needs their help, they strive to do as much as they can. Ashley Machine also likes to assist local nonprofit agencies and often makes donations to many local sporting and educational organizations.

Ashley Machine is interested in developing lean, repeatable quality processes and maintaining on-time delivery for their customers. These two key factors, along with promoting employee growth, have made them successful.

Mr. Mulhern stated, “Ashley's short affiliation with NEPA has been very helpful. In a short time, we've taken advantage of webinars, networking opportunities, connections to government bids, and finance assistance for plant additions and renovations. I know I can contact anyone at NEPA and be guided in the proper direction.”

For more information visit www.ashleymt.com

NEPA Alliance has several loan programs available for small businesses located in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne counties and all of Pennsylvania.

These low-cost, low-interest loans offer reduced down payments and standard loan term maturities for machinery and equipment, land and building acquisition, construction, and renovation. Loan rates are fixed and generally below the prime lending rate.

Eligible businesses include Manufacturers, Industrial, Agriculture/Agribusiness, Hospitality & Tourism Related Enterprises, Recyclers, Day Cares, Computer Related Services, Advanced Technology, and Retail and Service Related Businesses. Other business sectors may also qualify.

To learn more about these loan programs, email financing@nepa-alliance.org or call 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

Recently Funded Loans

Bed and Breakfast – Lake Luzerne (NY)

• This NEPA BFC SBA 504 loan was completed in partnership with The Dime Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate.

Contractor – Easton

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed equipment and working capital

Chiropractor - Bloomsburg

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed for working capital

Bakery - Old Forge

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed for working capital

Consultant – Mosaic

• This NEPA BFC SBA CA loan was completed for working capital

NEPA Alliance Business Finance Corporation is a state-wide CDC allowing for NEPA BFC to lend SBA 504 Loans to eligible small businesses located in Pennsylvania.

Financing Structure

A bank or other lender finances 50% of the project cost and takes a first lien position on the assets financed. The SBA 504 loan finances 40% of the project cost, up to $5.5 million, and takes a second lien position. The borrower then contributes a down payment of as little as 10%.

Small Businesses can receive:

• Subordinate Financing
• Up to 90% Loan to Value
• Up to $5.5 Million in SBA Financing
• Unlimited Total Project Cost

SBA 504 Loans offer:

• As Little as 10% Equity Injection
• Terms up to 25 Years
• Guaranteed Fixed Interest Rate

*Eligibility Criteria Apply*

To learn more about these loan programs, email financing@nepa-alliance.org or call 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

Upcoming Webinars

Get On GSA - Understanding Requirements & Proposal Prep

Tuesday, June 10th at 2:00 PM

This is an entry level, 75 minute class, focused on the basics of federal marketing. Best practices in Capability Statements to LinkedIn will be discussed as well as how to avoid common pitfalls. Learn how to present your company and capabilities in a professional manner and make it easy for the government and primes to work with you.

Get On GSA - Understanding Requirements & Proposal Prep

Thursday, June 12th at 2:00 PM

This is an entry level, 75 minute class, focused on the GSA Schedule, a contract vehicle used across all of the federal government, as well as some state and local governments. Learn about how it is used and why your firm should or should not pursue it. Pre award and post award requirements will be covered as well as the proposal components.

For more information or assistance with government contracting visit apex.nepa-alliance.org or call (570) 655-5581 option 2.

The APEX Accelerator is funded in part though a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense. Please give the Office of Small Business Programs your feedback on the NEPA Alliance Apex Accelerator’s performance.

International Trade Assistance News

For more information on export development, contact Debbie Langan at dlangan@nepa-alliance.org or 570-891-4645. 

DCED Multimodal

Transportation Fund

Application Period Closes July 31

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)is currently accepting applications for funding through its Multimodal Transportation Fund for 2025-2026. The application period closes on July 31, 2025. 

Funding can be used to coordinate local land use with transportation assets to enhance existing communities. Eligible projects include streetscapes, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, projects improving pedestrian safety, connectivity or utilization of existing transportation assets, and projects related to transit-oriented development. 

Municipalities, counties, school districts, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, rail freight, and passenger rail entities are eligible to apply. A local match of 30% is required. More information can be found on the DCED website here.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) has partnered with PennDOT to offer the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) training series in all seven NEPA counties: Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne.

Winter Maintenance

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Kingston Forty Fort Fire Department

600 Wyoming Ave,

Kingston, PA 18704

(570) 288-4576

Website

Winter Maintenance

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall

115 E. 10th St,

Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

(570) 325-3025

Website

NEPA is currently scheduling additional Fall 2025 classes.  Please contact Daniel Yelito, Transportation Services Manager, at 570-655-5581 ext. 264 or email dyelito@nepa-alliance.org if you are interested in holding an LTAP class in your area. 

LTAP will also continue offering online classes, webinars, and virtual drop-in sessions. To learn more about upcoming virtual offerings, visit the PennDOT LTAP website.

Economic Impact Modeling Services

The NEPA Alliance Research & Information Center utilizes IMPLAN Modeling Software to determine the economic impact of projects. Using IMPLAN, NEPA Alliance can demonstrate the economic impact of a new business, income generated by tourism, economic contribution of higher education institutions, and more. NEPA Alliance offers Economic Impact Modeling Services to the community at a fee. To learn more, click here or contact Tyler Day, Community & Economic Development Manager, at (570) 891-4656.

Don’t forget that NCAC Members receive access and assistance in accessing Candid's online Foundation Directory, the most comprehensive foundation database. With access to informative profiles of over 299,000 U.S. foundations, you’ll know exactly which foundation fits your programmatic needs, how much to ask for and where to go for more information. NCAC members can receive guided access to the Foundation Directory by visiting our in-office workstation any time during normal business hours. Don’t forget that we’re here to help with all your nonprofit needs! For more information on this service, as well as membership benefits, contact Tyler Day, Community & Economic Development Manager.

Did You Know...?

The United State Census Bureau recently released population estimates for municipalities. In Pennsylvania, 1,057 municipalities saw an increase in population since 2020 according to the new estimates, while 1,466 municipalities saw a decrease in population, and 49 municipalities saw no population change during this time.

Westfall Township in Pike County was the fastest growing municipality in the Commonwealth since 2020, growing by 34% during this time. Most municipalities in the NEPA region saw population growth. An interactive map of municipal population change since 2020 created by the Pennsylvania State Data Center can be found here.