HARRISBURG – Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) and Rep. Jim Rigby (R-71) announced the approval of $16.5 million in state assistance for a critical water system improvement project in Portage Borough.
The Municipal Authority of the Borough of Portage was awarded a $4.7 million grant and a $11.8 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
The authority will replace approximately 34,500 feet of water distribution lines, 15,750 feet of service lines, 24 fire hydrants, and 580-meter pits. Additionally, six lead-galvanized service lines in the project area will be replaced
“This investment is about more than replacing old pipes, it’s about protecting public health, safeguarding clean water and making sure our communities aren’t burdened with unsustainable costs,” said Langerholc. “As a member of the PENNVEST Board, I am proud to support this project as these improvements will deliver reliable, safe drinking water for generations to come.”
“Municipalities throughout the Commonwealth need to take steps to address aging infrastructure,” Rigby said. “We can advertise these opportunities, but the individual local government entities must take the initiative to undertake the application process. I was happy to endorse their request and applaud the authority members for being proactive in serving their residents’ health and safety needs.”
PENNVEST is an independent agency of the Commonwealth providing financial assistance to fund construction of drinking water, sewer and stormwater projects in communities throughout Pennsylvania. PENNVEST is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth. Langerholc serves on the PENNVEST board of directors.
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando (Langerholc)
Scott Little (Rigby)