HARRISBURG – Reps. Marci Mustello (R-Butler) and Abby Major (R-Armstrong/Westmoreland) and Sens. Joe Pittman (R- Armstrong/Indiana/Jefferson/Westmoreland) and Scott Hutchinson (R-Butler/Clarion/Erie/Forest/Venango/Warren) today announced the Municipal Authority of Buffalo Township has been awarded an almost $2.82 million low-interest loan to complete two water-line projects in its service area.
Part of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) loan will be used to add new drinking water service to 76 residences along State Route 228, including Sunny Lane and Kimberly, Carol and Crescent Hill drives in Buffalo Township. Many existing, private on-lot groundwater wells are contaminated with high manganese, iron and arsenic levels which has resulted in poor water quality.
“This is an important issue for local families and also a key step forward in developing and modernizing our water infrastructure,” Mustello said. “I am pleased that PENNVEST has recognized the significance of this project and is investing these funds in the future of our communities.”
“Clean, affordable, and reliable drinking water is among the most fundamental needs of any community,” Hutchinson said. “These water line projects will help ensure a safe water supply for more residents, upgrade the system’s dependability, and improve response capabilities during fire emergencies, all while maintaining an affordable price point for the Authority’s customers.”
The other part of the loan will be used to replace severely deteriorated drinking water distribution lines along Market, Fourth and Buffalo streets in Freeport Borough. New gate valves and fire hydrants will be installed too. The work will be done alongside a lead service line replacement project that received a PENNVEST grant earlier this year.
“I’m pleased to see this state program help communities in our area,” Major said. “Projects like these are vitally important to people’s health. No one should be without clean, potable water in their homes. This loan will help make the projects more affordable and not bankrupt the ratepayers or the authority.”
“Aging waterlines are problems for communities throughout Pennsylvania, as they are expensive to maintain,” Pittman said. “I am pleased the substantial funding approved by PENNVEST will provide support for critical work to improve water quality and ensure the continued health and safety of Freeport Borough residents.”
The Municipal Authority of Buffalo Township serves 3,016 households in Buffalo Township, Butler County, and Freeport Borough, Armstrong County.
PENNVEST funds sewer, storm water and drinking water projects throughout the Commonwealth through low-interest loans and grants.
Media Contacts:
Tracy Polovick (Rep. Major)
Rick Leiner (Rep. Mustello)
Justin Leventry (Sen. Hutchinson)
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)