On this day in history, September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress formally declared the new nation to be the “United States of America,” replacing the previously used term “United Colonies.”
Correction: Missing Links for COSTARS Regional Member Training Workshop: Central Region
We apologize that the links for this article were missing in yesterday’s edition. Here is the corrected article. COSTARS will be hosting a free member training workshop for central Pennsylvania members on September 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon in Williamsport, Lycoming County. This session will help members learn more about the COSTARS…
COSTARS Regional Member Training Workshop: Central Region
COSTARS will be hosting a free member training workshop for central Pennsylvania members on September 30, 2026, 10 a.m.- noon in Williamsport, PA. This session will allow members to learn more about the COSTARS program and contracts, as well as connect with the COSTARS team in person. Click the link…
PEMA Readiness Executive Order
In early August, Gov. Shapiro issued an Executive Order aimed at improving statewide readiness without bureaucratic delays to ensure the state can respond more quickly, communicate better, and keep residents protected when disasters happen. This is in keeping with the new FEMA…
Happy Labor Day!
Thank you to all township employees across the commonwealth for your hard work and contributions to your local communities. Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend! PSATS Morning News will return on Tuesday, September 8.
Data Center Resources Available
If you are looking for a general overview of what data center facilities are, how townships are currently addressing them, and some general land use planning advice, check out the following PSATS resources: If you are looking for public education material for…
Chobani Investing in Pennsylvania Township
Upper Macungie Township in Lehigh County will soon be home to Chobani’s first dairy product manufacturing operation in Pennsylvania. The company, known best for its yogurt and other dairy products, will take over the 1.5 million-square-foot facility previously owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper. Chobani’s expansion brings an estimated $1.2 billion investment. The…
Changing Electricity Demands Forecasted by PUC
According to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) latest Electric Power Outlook Report, the state’s electricity needs could change substantially by the end of the decade. Pennsylvania’s total electricity consumption decreased 0.24% in 2025 from the prior year, despite a 0.4% increase in the number of electric customers. However, five-year forecasts submitted by Pennsylvania’s…
DCED Announces Municipal Assistance Grant Awards
The state Department of Community and Economic Development (announced $1,341,652 in grants to municipalities across 22 counties through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) to help local governments plan for and effectively implement a variety of services and improvements that support residents and strengthen communities. Many townships will benefit from grant…
New Funding Available for Mixed-Use Development Projects
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency issued a Request for Proposals for the new construction or rehabilitation of mixed-use development projects seeking financial support. Mixed-use projects combine residential and retail/commercial space in the same building and often catalyze neighborhood revitalization. The deadline for…
