Five major projects aimed at upgrading sewer facilities, protecting water supplies and creating jobs in the 35th Senatorial District have been awarded more than $35.3 million in state grants and low-interest loans through the state’s PENNVEST Program according to Senator Wayne Langerholc (R-35). The following projects were awarded funding Wednesday by the state’s PENNVEST Board:
Reade Township Water Improvement Project – $1.57 million low-interest loan to replace approximately 1,350 feet of distribution line, 8,750 feet of raw transmission line and 420 residential meters to address outages and water loss. The project will increase the reliability of the system and help ensure that clean water is consistently provided to residents.
Johnstown City – Kernville Sanitary/Storm Water Separation Project – $10.9 million low interest loan and grants to construct approximately 34,000 fee of sewer line, 8,400 feet of pipe liner, 205 manholes and 510 lateral inspection ports to remove excess infiltration and reduce sanitary sewage overflows during wet weather.
Ebensburg Municipal Authority Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project — $9 million low-interest loan to replace a majority of the existing system, which is approximately 80 years old and at the end of its useful life. This includes approximately 60,500 feet of main line piping, manholes and laterals between the main and the priority line of each customer. This will reduce wet weather sewer overflows and help to protect local water supplies.
Hastings Area Sewer Authority Sanitary Sewer System Replacement Project — $12.675 million in low-interest loans and grants to replace approximately 56,000 feet of existing sewer mains, 275 manholes, and 695 laterals and observation ports. The project will eliminate wet weather sanitary sewer overflows and basement backups.
West Taylor Township Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project Phase 1 — $1.2 million in low interest loans and grants to rehabilitate 5,036 feet of sanitary sewer lines using cured in place pipe lining, and rehabilitate and replace 36 sanitary manholes. The project will reduce downstream wet weather sanitary sewer overflows and correct malfunctioning on-lot septic systems.
PENNVEST is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth. Financing is provided through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state as well as proceeds from Act 13 of 2012, the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee.
“Water and sewer systems are extremely important to the health and economy of a community, but very expensive to build and maintain,” Langerholc said. “This PENNVEST funding is crucial to bringing our water system into compliance with state requirements and protecting our resources for future generations.”
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando – (717) 787-5400