HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has awarded $10,000,000 in grant support and a low-interest loan for the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County’s Lead Service Line Replacement Project, according to Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Rep. Abby Major (R-60).
The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County has identified lead service lines in its system which will be removed and replaced to address potential health concerns and updated to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule. The existing system serves 116,000 residential customers with a population of 261,687.
The authority anticipates that approximately 1,000 lead service lines will be replaced as a result of this project in the Boroughs of Vandergrift, East Vandergrift, Hyde Park, and West Leechburg in Westmoreland County. Lead service lines will also be replaced in the Boroughs of Apollo, Leechburg, and North Apollo, and Parks Township in Armstrong County.
“Clean, safe and reliable water is vital for the well-being of our communities,” Pittman said. “I’m pleased this substantial state support will help so many individuals and families in Westmoreland and Armstrong Counties. This PENNVEST funding will certainly go a long way to assist with the critical improvements being undertaken by the authority, to help protect public health and support infrastructure advancements.”
“I’m pleased to support funding for this project that will help 1,000 customers in Armstrong and Westmoreland counties reduce their exposure to lead in their drinking water,” Major said. “Lead can have serious health consequences, especially in children. The PENNVEST program is vital to making projects like this affordable.”
The total project cost is $11 million. The approved PENNVEST funding includes a grant in the amount of $4,556,036 and a low-interest loan in the amount of $5,443,964.
PENNVEST financing is provided through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state as well as proceeds from the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee legislation, Act 13 of 2012.
Media Contacts:
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)
Tracy Polovick (Rep. Major)