Pennsylvania allocates $236 million to 15 counties for water infrastructure renovations

(UC) — Governor Tom Wolf announced the investment of $236 million for 23 drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and non-point source projects across 15 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

“I’m encouraged to see continued, increased investments in our clean water infrastructure across the commonwealth, and these awards mark a historic occasion,” said Gov. Wolf. “This round of water quality funding will deliver the first dollars from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, signed by President Biden in November of 2021. This funding will create generational change in improving our environment and planning for future growth.”

The funding for these projects originates from a combination of state funds approved by voters, Growing Greener, Marcellus Legacy funds, the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, federal grants to PENNVEST from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards. Funds for these projects are disbursed after expenses for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST for review.

This award announcement also includes projects that are addressing emerging contaminants under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which are being funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in communities’ water systems across Pennsylvania.  To date, $17,741,000 remains available for emerging contaminants under the DWSRF for the 2022-2023 budget cycle.

“As communities have been planning for the opportunity to take advantage of this momentous federal investment, federal, state, and local partners have ensured that we can distribute this funding efficiently and equitably,” said Gov. Wolf. “Funding through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act will truly address some of the neediest populations in Pennsylvania with some of the worst legacy environmental issues, including lead contamination and emerging contaminants. As we continue to ensure that communities have access to this funding, they can in turn ensure that at-risk populations are safe to drink clean water and enjoy their own environmental gifts.”

Allegheny County has been awarded a $1,349,427 loan and a $6,486,969 grant to replace lead service lines that will affect 752 residential customers in areas where leaking, undersized water mains will also be replaced.  It also received a $75,529,516 loan to replace approximately 63,000 feet of water lines throughout the distribution system.  The project will address multiple undersized and leaking lines in a system with a historical water loss of 43%.

Centre County will receive a $1,113,420 loan and a $4,819,780 grant to upgrade an existing treatment plant, water source, and distribution system, including the addition of a new drinking well, water mains, and electrical process controls. 

The Walker Township Water Association received a $5,920,000 loan to construct an above-ground booster station with new waterlines to direct flow, variable frequency drives to adjust pump speed, and a chlorination skid to maintain chlorine residual. Upon completion of this project, the booster station will convey potable water from the Snydertown Pressure Zone to the Hecla and Zion Pressure Zones, to provide reliable delivery of safe drinking water for the service area.

The Erie City Water Authority received a $3,099,600 loan and a $14,900,400 grant to replace approximately 2,700 service connections consisting of cast iron pipe attached to water mains by lead goosenecks.  The project will eliminate the risk of lead contamination throughout the service area and increase reliability of service.

A full list of awarded projects can be viewed here.

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