diff --git a/definitions.py b/definitions.py
deleted file mode 100644
index 908b109a..00000000
--- a/definitions.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,22 +0,0 @@
-"""
-top-level folder to provide project-wide definitions & references
-"""
-
-import os
-from pathlib import Path
-
-PROJECT_ROOT = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
-
-OUTPUT_PATH: Path | None = None
-
-
-def get_OUTPUT_PATH() -> Path:
-    if OUTPUT_PATH is None:
-        raise RuntimeError('Output path not yet defined')
-    # Use cast to help mypy understand the type
-    return OUTPUT_PATH
-
-
-def set_OUTPUT_PATH(path: Path) -> None:
-    global OUTPUT_PATH
-    OUTPUT_PATH = path
diff --git a/temoa/_internal/run_actions.py b/temoa/_internal/run_actions.py
index 9815495e..a11b3ff3 100644
--- a/temoa/_internal/run_actions.py
+++ b/temoa/_internal/run_actions.py
@@ -1,32 +1,7 @@
 """
 Basic-level atomic functions that can be used by a sequencer, as needed
-
-Written by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  11/15/23
-
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """
 
-import os
 import sqlite3
 import sys
 from logging import getLogger
@@ -46,7 +21,6 @@
 )
 from pyomo.opt import SolverResults
 
-import definitions
 from temoa._internal.table_writer import TableWriter
 from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
 from temoa.core.model import TemoaModel
@@ -157,21 +131,9 @@ def build_instance(
     if not silent:
         try:
             # Check for warnings in log file to notify user. Ugly but it works
-            log_file = os.path.join(definitions.get_OUTPUT_PATH(), 'log.log')
-            with open(log_file) as f:
-                warnings_found = any(
-                    '| WARNING |' in line or '| ERROR |' in line or '| CRITICAL |' in line
-                    for line in f
-                )
-                if warnings_found:
-                    sys.stderr.write(
-                        '\r[%8.2f] Instance created with warnings. Check log file.\n'
-                        % (time() - hack)
-                    )
-                else:
-                    sys.stderr.write(
-                        '\r[%8.2f] Instance created.       \n' % (time() - hack)
-                    )  # needs spaces to clear previous line
+            sys.stderr.write(
+                '\r[%8.2f] Instance created.       \n' % (time() - hack)
+            )  # needs spaces to clear previous line
             sys.stderr.flush()
         except Exception:
             sys.stderr.write(
diff --git a/temoa/_internal/table_writer.py b/temoa/_internal/table_writer.py
index 48ddc55c..d58d0ad3 100644
--- a/temoa/_internal/table_writer.py
+++ b/temoa/_internal/table_writer.py
@@ -2,10 +2,13 @@
 tool for writing outputs to database tables
 """
 
+from __future__ import annotations
+
 import sqlite3
 import sys
 from collections import defaultdict
 from collections.abc import Iterable
+from importlib import resources
 from logging import getLogger
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, cast
@@ -13,7 +16,6 @@
 from pyomo.core import value
 from pyomo.opt import SolverResults
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT
 from temoa._internal.data_brick import DataBrick
 from temoa._internal.exchange_tech_cost_ledger import CostType
 from temoa._internal.table_data_puller import (
@@ -39,30 +41,6 @@
     pass
 
 """
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-
-
-Written by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  2/9/24
 
 Note:  This file borrows heavily from the legacy pformat_results.py, and is somewhat of a restructure of that code
        to accommodate the run modes more cleanly
@@ -85,10 +63,11 @@
 ]
 optional_output_tables = ['output_flow_out_summary', 'output_mc_delta', 'output_storage_level']
 
-flow_summary_file_loc = Path(
-    PROJECT_ROOT, 'temoa/extensions/modeling_to_generate_alternatives/make_flow_summary_table.sql'
+flow_summary_file_loc = (
+    resources.files('temoa.extensions.modeling_to_generate_alternatives')
+    / 'make_flow_summary_table.sql'
 )
-mc_tweaks_file_loc = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/make_deltas_table.sql')
+mc_tweaks_file_loc = resources.files('temoa.extensions.monte_carlo') / 'make_deltas_table.sql'
 
 
 class TableWriter:
@@ -652,13 +631,16 @@ def make_mc_tweaks_table(self) -> None:
         # make the table for monte carlo tweaks, if needed...
         self.execute_script(mc_tweaks_file_loc)
 
-    def execute_script(self, script_file: str | Path) -> None:
+    def execute_script(self, script_file: str | Path | resources.abc.Traversable) -> None:
         """
         A utility to execute a sql script on the current db connection
         :return:
         """
-        with open(script_file) as table_script:
-            sql_commands = table_script.read()
+        if isinstance(script_file, resources.abc.Traversable):
+            sql_commands = script_file.read_text()
+        else:
+            with open(script_file) as table_script:
+                sql_commands = table_script.read()
         logger.debug('Executing sql from file: %s ', script_file)
 
         self.con.executescript(sql_commands)
diff --git a/temoa/cli.py b/temoa/cli.py
index a69456e0..79036b8f 100644
--- a/temoa/cli.py
+++ b/temoa/cli.py
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@
 from rich.logging import RichHandler
 from rich.text import Text
 
-from definitions import set_OUTPUT_PATH
 from temoa._internal.temoa_sequencer import TemoaSequencer
 from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
 from temoa.core.modes import TemoaMode
@@ -87,7 +86,6 @@ def _setup_sequencer(
     # Pass the silent flag to the logging setup
     _setup_logging(final_output_path, debug=debug, silent=silent)
 
-    set_OUTPUT_PATH(final_output_path)
     config = TemoaConfig.build_config(
         config_file=config_file, output_path=final_output_path, silent=silent
     )
diff --git a/temoa/extensions/method_of_morris/morris.py b/temoa/extensions/method_of_morris/morris.py
index 0351a318..e8116ca3 100644
--- a/temoa/extensions/method_of_morris/morris.py
+++ b/temoa/extensions/method_of_morris/morris.py
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 # from __future__ import division
 import time
+from importlib import resources
 from pathlib import Path
 
 from pyomo.dataportal import DataPortal
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT
 from temoa._internal import run_actions
 from temoa._internal.table_writer import TableWriter
 from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
@@ -63,12 +63,15 @@ def evaluate(param_names, param_values, data: dict, k):
     return Morris_Objectives
 
 
-morris_root = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'temoa/extensions/method_of_morris')
+morris_root = Path(__file__).parent
 perturbation_coefficient = 0.2  # minus plus 10% of the baseline values
 param_file = morris_root / 'm_params.txt'
-db_file = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'data_files/untracked_data/morris/morris_utopia.sqlite')
-config_path = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'data_files/untracked_data/morris/morris_utopia.toml')
-with sqlite3.connect(db_file) as con:
+
+db_resource = resources.files('data_files.untracked_data.morris') / 'morris_utopia.sqlite'
+config_resource = resources.files('data_files.untracked_data.morris') / 'morris_utopia.toml'
+with resources.as_file(db_resource) as db_file, \
+     resources.as_file(config_resource) as config_path, \
+     sqlite3.connect(str(db_file)) as con:
     with open(param_file, 'w') as file:
         param_names = {}
         cur = con.cursor()
diff --git a/temoa/extensions/method_of_morris/morris_sequencer.py b/temoa/extensions/method_of_morris/morris_sequencer.py
index 9f41f98f..c788028c 100644
--- a/temoa/extensions/method_of_morris/morris_sequencer.py
+++ b/temoa/extensions/method_of_morris/morris_sequencer.py
@@ -1,35 +1,6 @@
 """
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-
-This code is modified from original work on Method of Morris framework
-by Hadi Eshragi.  Original morris.py file can be located in the energysystem
-branch
-
-Modified/Refactored by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  5/30/24
-
 An event sequencer to control the flow of a Method of Morris calculation.  This code uses multiprocessing via
 the joblib library
-
 """
 
 import csv
@@ -39,6 +10,7 @@
 import sys
 import tomllib
 from logging.handlers import QueueListener
+from importlib import resources
 from pathlib import Path
 
 from joblib import Parallel, delayed
@@ -47,7 +19,6 @@
 from SALib.sample.morris import sample
 from SALib.util import compute_groups_matrix, read_param_file
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT, get_OUTPUT_PATH
 from temoa._internal.table_writer import TableWriter
 from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
 from temoa.data_io.hybrid_loader import HybridLoader
@@ -55,8 +26,8 @@
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
-solver_options_file = Path(
-    PROJECT_ROOT, 'temoa/extensions/method_of_morris/morris_solver_options.toml'
+solver_options_file = (
+    resources.files('temoa.extensions.method_of_morris') / 'morris_solver_options.toml'
 )
 
 
@@ -87,8 +58,9 @@ def __init__(self, config: TemoaConfig):
 
         # read in the options
         try:
-            with open(solver_options_file, 'rb') as f:
-                all_options = tomllib.load(f)
+            with resources.as_file(solver_options_file) as path:
+                with open(path, 'rb') as f:
+                    all_options = tomllib.load(f)
             s_options = all_options.get(self.config.solver_name, {})
             logger.info('Using solver options: %s', s_options)
 
@@ -98,7 +70,7 @@ def __init__(self, config: TemoaConfig):
 
         # output handling
         self.verbose = False  # for troubleshooting
-        self.mm_output_folder = get_OUTPUT_PATH() / 'MM_outputs'
+        self.mm_output_folder = self.config.output_path / 'MM_outputs'
         self.mm_output_folder.mkdir(exist_ok=True)
         self.param_file: Path = self.mm_output_folder / 'params.csv'
 
diff --git a/temoa/extensions/modeling_to_generate_alternatives/mga_sequencer.py b/temoa/extensions/modeling_to_generate_alternatives/mga_sequencer.py
index bda3cf22..2b9e49a4 100644
--- a/temoa/extensions/modeling_to_generate_alternatives/mga_sequencer.py
+++ b/temoa/extensions/modeling_to_generate_alternatives/mga_sequencer.py
@@ -1,30 +1,5 @@
 """
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-
-
-Written by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  4/15/24
-
-The purpose of this module is to perform top-level control over an MGA model run
+Performs top-level control over an MGA model run
 """
 
 import logging
@@ -35,6 +10,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 from logging import getLogger
 from multiprocessing import Queue
+from importlib import resources
 from pathlib import Path
 from queue import Empty
 
@@ -43,7 +19,6 @@
 from pyomo.dataportal import DataPortal
 from pyomo.opt import check_optimal_termination
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT, get_OUTPUT_PATH
 from temoa._internal.run_actions import build_instance
 from temoa._internal.table_writer import TableWriter
 from temoa.components.costs import total_cost_rule
@@ -58,8 +33,8 @@
 
 logger = getLogger(__name__)
 
-solver_options_path = Path(
-    PROJECT_ROOT, 'temoa/extensions/modeling_to_generate_alternatives/MGA_solver_options.toml'
+solver_options_path = (
+    resources.files('temoa.extensions.modeling_to_generate_alternatives') / 'MGA_solver_options.toml'
 )
 
 
@@ -88,8 +63,9 @@ def __init__(self, config: TemoaConfig):
 
         # read in the options
         try:
-            with open(solver_options_path, 'rb') as f:
-                all_options = tomllib.load(f)
+            with resources.as_file(solver_options_path) as path:
+                with open(path, 'rb') as f:
+                    all_options = tomllib.load(f)
             s_options = all_options.get(self.config.solver_name, {})
             logger.info('Using solver options: %s', s_options)
 
@@ -208,6 +184,7 @@ def start(self):
             con=self.con,
             optimal_cost=tot_cost,
             cost_relaxation=self.cost_epsilon,
+            config=self.config,
         )
 
         # 5.  Set up the Workers
@@ -224,7 +201,7 @@ def start(self):
             'solver_options': self.worker_solver_options,
         }
         # construct path for the solver logs
-        s_path = Path(get_OUTPUT_PATH(), 'solver_logs')
+        s_path = self.config.output_path / 'solver_logs'
         if not s_path.exists():
             s_path.mkdir()
         for _ in range(num_workers):
diff --git a/temoa/extensions/modeling_to_generate_alternatives/tech_activity_vector_manager.py b/temoa/extensions/modeling_to_generate_alternatives/tech_activity_vector_manager.py
index 0828dc3a..8e28f7a7 100644
--- a/temoa/extensions/modeling_to_generate_alternatives/tech_activity_vector_manager.py
+++ b/temoa/extensions/modeling_to_generate_alternatives/tech_activity_vector_manager.py
@@ -1,31 +1,3 @@
-"""
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-
-
-Written by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  4/16/24
-
-"""
-
 import queue
 import sqlite3
 from collections import defaultdict
@@ -38,7 +10,7 @@
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 from pyomo.core import Expression, Objective, Var, quicksum, value
 
-from definitions import get_OUTPUT_PATH
+from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
 from temoa.core.model import TemoaModel
 from temoa.extensions.modeling_to_generate_alternatives.hull import Hull
 from temoa.extensions.modeling_to_generate_alternatives.mga_constants import MgaWeighting
@@ -73,12 +45,14 @@ def __init__(
         weighting: MgaWeighting,
         optimal_cost: float,
         cost_relaxation: float,
+        config: TemoaConfig,
     ):
         self.completed_solves = 0
         self.conn = conn
         self.base_model = base_model
         self.optimal_cost = optimal_cost
         self.cost_relaxation = cost_relaxation
+        self.config = config
         self.generation_index = 1  # index of how many models generated to couple inputs-outputs
 
         # {category : [technology, ...]}
@@ -362,7 +336,7 @@ def tracker(self):
             self.perf_data.update({len(self.hull_points): volume})
 
     def finalize_tracker(self):
-        fout = Path(get_OUTPUT_PATH(), 'hull_performance.png')
+        fout = self.config.output_path / 'hull_performance.png'
         pts = sorted(self.perf_data.keys())
         y = [self.perf_data[pt] for pt in pts]
         plt.plot(pts, y)
diff --git a/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/example_builds/scenario_analyzer.py b/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/example_builds/scenario_analyzer.py
index 9d6ba05f..ba55b0fb 100644
--- a/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/example_builds/scenario_analyzer.py
+++ b/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/example_builds/scenario_analyzer.py
@@ -1,43 +1,16 @@
 """
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-
-
-Written by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  11/11/24
-
 Simple analyzer--example only
-
 """
 from math import sqrt
 from pathlib import Path
 from sqlite3 import Connection
 
+from importlib import resources
 from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT
-
 scenario_name = 'Purple Onion'  # must match config file
-db_path = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'data_files/example_dbs/utopia.sqlite')
-with Connection(db_path) as conn:
+db_resource = resources.files('data_files.example_dbs') / 'utopia.sqlite'
+with resources.as_file(db_resource) as db_path, Connection(str(db_path)) as conn:
     cur = conn.cursor()
     obj_values = cur.execute(
         f"SELECT total_system_cost FROM output_objective WHERE scenario LIKE '{scenario_name}-%'"
diff --git a/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/example_builds/scenario_maker.py b/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/example_builds/scenario_maker.py
index 0768b3fd..7f621777 100644
--- a/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/example_builds/scenario_maker.py
+++ b/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/example_builds/scenario_maker.py
@@ -1,28 +1,4 @@
 """
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-
-
-Written by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  11/11/24
 
 This file is intended to be a simple EXAMPLE for testing mainly of how one might make a set of
 runs for a Monte Carlo simulation.
@@ -47,8 +23,6 @@
 import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
 import numpy as np
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT
-
 # distro for the related cost vars
 
 # multivariate norm generator:
@@ -69,7 +43,7 @@
 nuc_dev = np.random.binomial(n=1, p=0.20, size=num_runs) * -0.4
 
 # put it together...
-file_loc = Path(PROJECT_ROOT) / 'data_files/monte_carlo/run_settings_2.csv'
+file_loc = Path.cwd() / 'run_settings_2.csv'
 with open(file_loc, 'w') as f:
     f.write('run,param,index,mod,value,notes\n')
     for run_idx in range(num_runs):
diff --git a/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/mc_run.py b/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/mc_run.py
index 537bea1f..a57ba3c9 100644
--- a/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/mc_run.py
+++ b/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/mc_run.py
@@ -1,28 +1,4 @@
 """
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-
-
-Written by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  11/9/24
 
 """
 
@@ -34,7 +10,6 @@
 
 from pyomo.dataportal import DataPortal
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT
 from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
 from temoa.core.model import TemoaModel
 from temoa.data_io.hybrid_loader import HybridLoader
@@ -222,14 +197,14 @@ def __init__(self, config: TemoaConfig, data_store: dict):
         self.config = config
         self.data_store = data_store
         self.tweak_factory = TweakFactory(data_store)
-        self.settings_file = PROJECT_ROOT / Path(self.config.monte_carlo_inputs['run_settings'])
+        self.settings_file = Path(self.config.monte_carlo_inputs['run_settings'])
 
     def prescreen_input_file(self):
         """
         read the input csv file and screen common errors
         :return: True if file passes, false otherwise with log entries
         """
-        with open(self.settings_file, 'r') as f:
+        with open(self.settings_file) as f:
             header = f.readline().strip()
             assert header == 'run,param,index,mod,value,notes', (
                 'header should be: run,param,index,mod,value,notes'
@@ -252,7 +227,7 @@ def _next_row_generator(self) -> Generator[tuple[int, str], None, None]:
         A generator to read lines from thr run settings file
         :return:
         """
-        with open(self.settings_file, 'r') as f:
+        with open(self.settings_file) as f:
             # burn header
             f.readline()
             idx = 2
@@ -314,7 +289,7 @@ def element_locator(data_store: dict, param: str, target_index: tuple) -> list[t
         matches = [
             k
             for k in raw_indices
-            if all((k[idx] == target_index[idx] for idx in non_wildcard_locs))
+            if all(k[idx] == target_index[idx] for idx in non_wildcard_locs)
         ]
         return matches
 
diff --git a/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/mc_sequencer.py b/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/mc_sequencer.py
index 44945f68..e5985179 100644
--- a/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/mc_sequencer.py
+++ b/temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/mc_sequencer.py
@@ -1,31 +1,7 @@
 """
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-
-
-Written by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  11/9/24
 
 A sequencer for Monte Carlo Runs
-.
+
 """
 
 import logging
@@ -36,11 +12,11 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 from logging import getLogger
 from multiprocessing import Queue
+from importlib import resources
 from pathlib import Path
 
 from pyomo.dataportal import DataPortal
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT, get_OUTPUT_PATH
 from temoa._internal.data_brick import DataBrick
 from temoa._internal.table_writer import TableWriter
 from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
@@ -50,7 +26,9 @@
 
 logger = getLogger(__name__)
 
-solver_options_path = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'temoa/extensions/monte_carlo/MC_solver_options.toml')
+solver_options_path = (
+    resources.files('temoa.extensions.monte_carlo') / 'MC_solver_options.toml'
+)
 
 
 class MCSequencer:
@@ -63,8 +41,9 @@ def __init__(self, config: TemoaConfig):
 
         # read in the options
         try:
-            with open(solver_options_path, 'rb') as f:
-                all_options = tomllib.load(f)
+            with resources.as_file(solver_options_path) as path:
+                with open(path, 'rb') as f:
+                    all_options = tomllib.load(f)
             s_options = all_options.get(self.config.solver_name, {})
             logger.info('Using solver options: %s', s_options)
 
@@ -130,7 +109,7 @@ def start(self):
             'solver_options': self.worker_solver_options,
         }
         # construct path for the solver logs
-        s_path = Path(get_OUTPUT_PATH(), 'solver_logs')
+        s_path = self.config.output_path / 'solver_logs'
         if not s_path.exists():
             s_path.mkdir()
         for i in range(num_workers):
diff --git a/temoa/extensions/myopic/myopic_sequencer.py b/temoa/extensions/myopic/myopic_sequencer.py
index 6e755814..c0877bf2 100644
--- a/temoa/extensions/myopic/myopic_sequencer.py
+++ b/temoa/extensions/myopic/myopic_sequencer.py
@@ -7,10 +7,10 @@
 import sqlite3
 import sys
 from collections import deque
+from importlib import resources
 from pathlib import Path
 from sqlite3 import Connection
 
-import definitions
 from temoa._internal import run_actions
 from temoa._internal.table_writer import TableWriter
 from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
@@ -23,9 +23,7 @@
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
-table_script_file = Path(
-    definitions.PROJECT_ROOT, 'temoa/extensions/myopic', 'make_myopic_tables.sql'
-)
+table_script_file = resources.files('temoa.extensions.myopic') / 'make_myopic_tables.sql'
 
 
 class MyopicSequencer:
@@ -141,7 +139,8 @@ def start(self):
         self.characterize_run()
 
         # create the Myopic Output tables, if they don't already exist.
-        self.execute_script(table_script_file)
+        with resources.as_file(table_script_file) as script_path:
+            self.execute_script(script_path)
 
         # clear out the old riff-raff
         self.clear_old_results()
diff --git a/tests/conftest.py b/tests/conftest.py
index dbc332e3..0e405a52 100644
--- a/tests/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/conftest.py
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@
 import pytest
 from pyomo.opt import SolverResults
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT, set_OUTPUT_PATH
 from temoa._internal.temoa_sequencer import TemoaSequencer
 from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
 from temoa.core.model import TemoaModel
@@ -15,14 +14,14 @@
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 # set the target folder for output from testing
-output_path = os.path.join(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_log')
-if not os.path.exists(output_path):
-    os.mkdir(output_path)
+output_path = Path(__file__).parent / 'testing_log'
+if not output_path.exists():
+    output_path.mkdir()
 
 # set up logger in conftest.py so that it is properly anchored in the test folder.
 filename = 'testing.log'
 logging.basicConfig(
-    filename=os.path.join(output_path, filename),
+    filename=output_path / filename,
     filemode='w',
     format='%(asctime)s | %(module)s | %(levelname)s | %(message)s',
     datefmt='%d-%b-%y %H:%M:%S',
@@ -36,8 +35,8 @@
 
 def refresh_databases() -> None:
     """make new databases from source for testing...  removes possibility of contamination by earlier runs"""
-    data_output_path = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_outputs')
-    data_source_path = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_data')
+    data_output_path = Path(__file__).parent / 'testing_outputs'
+    data_source_path = Path(__file__).parent / 'testing_data'
     databases = (
         ('utopia.sql', 'utopia.sqlite'),
         ('utopia.sql', 'myo_utopia.sqlite'),
@@ -66,7 +65,7 @@ def refresh_databases() -> None:
 
 @pytest.fixture()
 def system_test_run(
-    request, tmp_path
+    request: Any, tmp_path: Path
 ) -> tuple[Any, SolverResults | None, TemoaModel | None, TemoaSequencer]:
     """
     spin up the model, solve it, and hand over the model and result for inspection
@@ -74,9 +73,7 @@ def system_test_run(
     data_name = request.param['name']
     logger.info('Setting up and solving: %s', data_name)
     filename = request.param['filename']
-    config_file = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_configs', filename)
-
-    set_OUTPUT_PATH(tmp_path)
+    config_file = Path(__file__).parent / 'testing_configs' / filename
 
     config = TemoaConfig.build_config(
         config_file=config_file,
diff --git a/tests/test_linked_tech.py b/tests/test_linked_tech.py
index c174a05c..cfa66240 100644
--- a/tests/test_linked_tech.py
+++ b/tests/test_linked_tech.py
@@ -1,28 +1,4 @@
 """
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-
-
-Written by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  6/22/24
 
 A quick test on Linked Tech.  The scenario is described in an image in the testing_data folder:
 simple_linked_tech_description.jpg
@@ -35,8 +11,6 @@
 
 import pytest
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT
-
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 config_files = [
     {'name': 'link', 'filename': 'config_link_test.toml'},
@@ -53,7 +27,7 @@ def test_linked_tech(system_test_run):
     """Check a few known values.  See the note above in header regarding scenario reference"""
     data_name, res, mdl, _ = system_test_run
     # test emission of CO2
-    output_db_path = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_outputs', 'simple_linked_tech.sqlite')
+    output_db_path = Path(__file__).parent / 'testing_outputs' / 'simple_linked_tech.sqlite'
     print(output_db_path)
     conn = sqlite3.connect(str(output_db_path))
     co2_emiss = conn.execute(
diff --git a/tests/test_material_results.py b/tests/test_material_results.py
index 1c00e8cf..c292ac57 100644
--- a/tests/test_material_results.py
+++ b/tests/test_material_results.py
@@ -1,10 +1,11 @@
 import logging
 import sqlite3
+from collections.abc import Generator
 from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Any
 
 import pytest
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT
 from temoa._internal.temoa_sequencer import TemoaSequencer
 from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
 
@@ -12,14 +13,16 @@
 
 
 @pytest.fixture(scope='module')
-def solved_connection(request, tmp_path_factory):
+def solved_connection(
+    request: Any, tmp_path_factory: Any
+) -> Generator[tuple[sqlite3.Connection, str, str, int, float], None, None]:
     """
     spin up the model, solve it, and hand over a connection to the results db
     """
     data_name = 'materials'
     logger.info('Setting up and solving: %s', data_name)
     filename = 'config_materials.toml'
-    config_file = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_configs', filename)
+    config_file = Path(__file__).parent / 'testing_configs' / filename
     tmp_path = tmp_path_factory.mktemp('data')
     config = TemoaConfig.build_config(config_file=config_file, output_path=tmp_path, silent=True)
     sequencer = TemoaSequencer(config=config)
@@ -51,9 +54,9 @@ def solved_connection(request, tmp_path_factory):
     'solved_connection',
     argvalues=flow_tests,
     indirect=True,
-    ids=[t['name'] for t in flow_tests],
+    ids=[str(t['name']) for t in flow_tests],
 )
-def test_flows(solved_connection):
+def test_flows(solved_connection: tuple[sqlite3.Connection, str, str, int, float]) -> None:
     """
     Test that the emissions from each technology archetype are correct, and check total emissions
     """
diff --git a/tests/test_model.py b/tests/test_model.py
index 35cfaf6f..5692333d 100644
--- a/tests/test_model.py
+++ b/tests/test_model.py
@@ -5,20 +5,19 @@
 import pathlib
 import pickle
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT
 from temoa._internal.temoa_sequencer import TemoaSequencer
 from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
 from temoa.core.modes import TemoaMode
 
 
-def test_serialization():
+def test_serialization() -> None:
     """
     Test to ensure the model pickles properly. This is used when employing mpi4py which requires
     that jobs passed are pickle-able.
     """
     config_filename = 'config_utopia.toml'
-    config_file_path = pathlib.Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_configs', config_filename)
-    output_path = pathlib.Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_outputs')
+    config_file_path = pathlib.Path(__file__).parent / 'testing_configs' / config_filename
+    output_path = pathlib.Path(__file__).parent / 'testing_outputs'
 
     config = TemoaConfig.build_config(
         config_file=config_file_path, output_path=output_path, silent=True
diff --git a/tests/test_set_consistency.py b/tests/test_set_consistency.py
index e92efbe7..52444914 100644
--- a/tests/test_set_consistency.py
+++ b/tests/test_set_consistency.py
@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@
 import pytest
 from pyomo import environ as pyo
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT
 from temoa._internal.temoa_sequencer import TemoaSequencer
 from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
 from temoa.core.modes import TemoaMode
@@ -44,7 +43,7 @@ def test_set_consistency(data_name, config_file, set_file, tmp_path):
     model_sets = {k: set(v) for k, v in model_sets.items()}
 
     # retrieve the cache and convert the set values from list -> set (json can't store sets)
-    cache_file = pathlib.Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_data', set_file)
+    cache_file = pathlib.Path(__file__).parent / 'testing_data' / set_file
     with open(cache_file) as src:
         cached_sets = json.load(src)
     cached_sets = {
diff --git a/tests/utilities/capture_set_sizes_for_cache.py b/tests/utilities/capture_set_sizes_for_cache.py
index 900d4536..1536ff45 100644
--- a/tests/utilities/capture_set_sizes_for_cache.py
+++ b/tests/utilities/capture_set_sizes_for_cache.py
@@ -1,29 +1,5 @@
 """
 Utility to capture the set sizes for inspection/comparison
-
-Written by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  11/14/23
-
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """
 
 import json
@@ -33,8 +9,8 @@
 
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT
 from temoa._internal.temoa_sequencer import TemoaSequencer
+from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -47,13 +23,17 @@
 t = input('Type "Y" to continue, any other key to exit now.')
 if t not in {'y', 'Y'}:
     sys.exit(0)
-output_file = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_data', 'US_9R_8D_set_sizes.json')
-config_file = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'utilities', 'config_US_9R_8D.toml')
-options = {'silent': True, 'debug': True}
-sequencer = TemoaSequencer(
-    config_file=config_file, output_path=Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_log'), **options
+output_file = Path(__file__).parent.parent / 'testing_data' / 'US_9R_8D_set_sizes.json'
+config_file_path = Path(__file__).parent / 'config_US_9R_8D.toml'
+output_path = Path(__file__).parent.parent / 'testing_log'
+output_path.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+
+options = {'silent': True}
+config = TemoaConfig.build_config(
+    config_file=config_file_path, output_path=output_path, silent=options['silent']
 )
-instance = sequencer.start()
+sequencer = TemoaSequencer(config=config)
+instance = sequencer.build_model()  # catch the built model
 
 model_sets = instance.component_map(ctype=pyo.Set)
 sets_dict = {k: len(v) for k, v in model_sets.items() if '_index' not in k}
diff --git a/tests/utilities/capture_set_values_for_cache.py b/tests/utilities/capture_set_values_for_cache.py
index 36926f08..3c5eed98 100644
--- a/tests/utilities/capture_set_values_for_cache.py
+++ b/tests/utilities/capture_set_values_for_cache.py
@@ -2,30 +2,6 @@
 Quick utility to capture set values from a pyomo model to enable later comparison.
 
 This file should not need to be run again unless model schema changes
-
-Written by:  J. F. Hyink
-jeff@westernspark.us
-https://westernspark.us
-Created on:  8/26/23
-
-Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa):
-An open source framework for energy systems optimization modeling
-
-Copyright (C) 2015,  NC State University
-
-This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
-it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
-(at your option) any later version.
-
-This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-GNU General Public License for more details.
-
-A complete copy of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2) is available
-in LICENSE.txt.  Users uncompressing this from an archive may not have
-received this license file.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 """
 
 import json
@@ -34,8 +10,8 @@
 
 import pyomo.environ as pyo
 
-from definitions import PROJECT_ROOT
 from temoa._internal.temoa_sequencer import TemoaSequencer
+from temoa.core.config import TemoaConfig
 from tests.conftest import refresh_databases
 
 print(
@@ -52,29 +28,33 @@
 if t not in {'y', 'Y'}:
     sys.exit(0)
 
-output_path = Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_log')  # capture the log here
+output_path = Path(__file__).parent.parent / 'testing_log'  # capture the log here
+output_path.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
 
 scenarios = [
     {
-        'output_file': Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_data', 'utopia_sets.json'),
-        'config_file': Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'utilities', 'config_utopia.toml'),
+        'output_file': Path(__file__).parent.parent / 'testing_data' / 'utopia_sets.json',
+        'config_file': Path(__file__).parent / 'config_utopia.toml',
     },
     {
-        'output_file': Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_data', 'test_system_sets.json'),
-        'config_file': Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'utilities', 'config_test_system.toml'),
+        'output_file': Path(__file__).parent.parent / 'testing_data' / 'test_system_sets.json',
+        'config_file': Path(__file__).parent / 'config_test_system.toml',
     },
     {
-        'output_file': Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'testing_data', 'mediumville_sets.json'),
-        'config_file': Path(PROJECT_ROOT, 'tests', 'utilities', 'config_mediumville.toml'),
+        'output_file': Path(__file__).parent.parent / 'testing_data' / 'mediumville_sets.json',
+        'config_file': Path(__file__).parent / 'config_mediumville.toml',
     },
 ]
 # make new copies of the DB's from source...
 refresh_databases()
 
 for scenario in scenarios:
-    ts = TemoaSequencer(config_file=scenario['config_file'], output_path=output_path)
+    config = TemoaConfig.build_config(
+        config_file=scenario['config_file'], output_path=output_path, silent=True
+    )
+    ts = TemoaSequencer(config=config)
 
-    built_instance = ts.start()  # catch the built model
+    built_instance = ts.build_model()  # catch the built model
 
     model_sets = built_instance.component_map(ctype=pyo.Set)
     sets_dict = {k: list(v) for k, v in model_sets.items()}