More Than $8 Million Announced for Sewer/Water Upgrades

HARRISBURG, April 20, 2009 – State Sen. J. Barry Stout and Rep. Bill DeWeese announced two state loans today that will improve the safety and economy of local communities.

“Keeping water and sewer systems up-to-date and in compliance with the law keeps communities healthy and able to function and grow,” Stout (D-Greene/Washington) said. “These funds also allow for better fire protection and create jobs.”

According to Stout, a $1.4 million loan and a $4.3 million grant has been awarded to the Greensboro Monongahela Township Joint Sewage Authority for installation of 31,700 feet of gravity sewers, three pump stations and 11,140 feet of force main. Sewage will be conveyed to the Authority’s existing plant, expanding its gallons per day to 165,000. This project will lessen the 56 percent malfunctioning rate of the Cabbage Flats area’s current sewage system and eliminate sewage flow into Whitley Creek.

Stout said the second loan of approximately $2.5 million has been awarded to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority for installation of about 6,700 linear feet of 12” waterline, 8,900 linear feet of 8” waterline, 1,700 linear feet of 6” waterline, 250 service connections a 500,000 gallon prestressed concrete water storage tank and associated fire hydrants, connections and restoration. This project would upgrade the current old and undersized water system in the Nemacolin area.

“By acquiring these low-interest loans and grants from Pennvest, local water and sewer authorities are better able to afford costly projects that otherwise would lead to astronomical rate increases for their customers,” DeWeese (D-Fayette/Greene/Washington) said. “It’s just another example of how state and local entities can work together to keep taxes and fees low for their constituents.”

The funds were approved today by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) board. PENNVEST is an independent agency managed by a 13-member Board of Directors and funded by nearly $2 billion from state appropriations, state bond sales, and federal grants. While helping hundreds of local governments take on clean water projects, PENNVEST funding has also generated thousands of construction jobs and helped maintain thousands more.

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