HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Rep. Jill Cooper (R-55) today announced the approval of state funding for a major water improvement project to benefit residents of Westmoreland county.
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has awarded the Municipal Authority of the City of New Kensington a grant of nearly $1.4 million and a low-interest loan of more than $74,000. The 20-year loan has an interest rate of just 1%, which will provide the grant-equivalent of more than $52,500 throughout the life of the loan.
Funding will be used to replace lead service lines affecting 100 residential customers: 73 in New Kensington and 27 in Arnold. Private sections of lead service lines will also be replaced.
“Replacing service lines that have the potential to leak lead into our drinking water is a top priority, but it’s also very expensive. I am pleased this state funding will go such a long way toward keeping people safe while shielding them from substantial cost increases,” Pittman said.
Without the state funding, user fees for more than 14,000 customers were projected to increase by an additional 341%.
“This investment is a win for public health, affordability and the future of our infrastructure,” said Cooper. “No family should have to choose between clean water and their household budget. Projects such as this ensure our communities can move forward without leaving anyone behind.”
The project will also improve the reliability of water for nearly 49,000 people and help retain compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule.
PENNVEST is an independent state agency providing financial assistance to fund construction of drinking water, sewer and stormwater projects in communities throughout the commonwealth. Its 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 Flessner (Senator Pittman)
Jake Gillespie (Representative Cooper)