HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has awarded $17,451,741 in low-interest loans to make needed wastewater treatment improvements for four projects in Armstrong and Westmoreland counties, according to Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41), Rep. Abby Major (R-60), Rep. Jill Cooper (R-55) and Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-63).
“Advocating for our local communities to receive the resources and backing they need at the state level is something I am proud to do each and every day,” Pittman said. “This PENNVEST funding for projects in Westmoreland and Armstrong counties will help protect public health and support infrastructure advancements for communities throughout our region. Thanks to those spearheading the projects at the local level, the substantial low-interest loans will certainly go a long way to assist with critical improvements.”
The Municipal Authority of the City of Lower Burrell in Westmoreland County is being awarded $9,550,000 for the Chartiers Pump Station Project. The deteriorating pump station will be replaced in its entirety, a one-million-gallon above ground equalization tank with blowers will be added, and the existing associated force main will be rehabilitated. This existing system serves 4,450 residential customers with a population of 11,700. The low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of $2,887,192 over the life of the loan.
Funding in the amount of $2,851,000 for improvements to three of the seven pumpstations operated and maintained by the Municipal Authority of Allegheny Township in Westmoreland County has also been approved. The Chartiers #1, Markle #2 and Melwood #3 Pump Stations are approaching the end of respective service life and are currently creating burdens related to increasing costs for operation and maintenance. The project will eliminate the Melwood #3 Pump Station and upgrade the Chartiers #1 and Markle #2 Pump Stations with new pumps, controls, generators, wet well modifications, fencing, electrical improvements, supervisory control and data acquisition advancements. The existing system serves 2,446 residential customers with a population of 6,116. The low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of $861,925 over the life of the loan.
“I’m pleased the state is able to assist both Lower Burrell and Allegheny Township municipal authorities with these important projects,” Major said. “The Lower Burrell work will help prevent raw and partially treated sewage from entering the area’s waterways during heavy rains. The Allegheny Township project will streamline wastewater treatment and upgrade its facilities in order to be to more efficient.”
The Municipal Authority of the City of New Kensington in Westmoreland County is receiving $3,856,741 for the 2024 Waterline Replacements/WTP Filter Media Replacement Project. Waterlines located on 7th Street, Beamer Avenue, Dugan Way, Willis Road, and Fairmont Avenue are old, deteriorated and have experienced numerous breaks that have resulted in periodic shutdowns, significant water loss, and costly repairs. Also, the existing filter media at the water treatment plant has degraded over time and is in need of replacement to improve filtering efficiency, increase output, and reduce backwash time and frequency. Approximately 5,400 feet of 8-inch waterline and 200 feet of 2-inch waterline will be replaced along various streets that have exhibited leaks. This is an existing system that serves 14,240 residential customers with a population of 48,987. User fees are not expected to increase because of this project. The total estimated cost of the project is $4,856,741 and the low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of $1,165,984 over the life of the loan.
“These investments in New Kensington and Lower Burrell will allow their authorities to continue to provide quality services while minimizing the financial burden shouldered by ratepayers,” said Cooper. “Overall, this is a huge benefit to families and local businesses who have been dealing with inflated costs of products, utilities and services.”
In Armstrong County the Eastern Armstrong County Municipal Authority’s Water Treatment Plant and Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project is receiving $1,194,000 in funding. The Authority intends to replace two manganese greensand vertical pressure filters at the existing water treatment plant in Plumcreek Township. The current filters are aged past useful life and showing signs of excessive deterioration, which may lead to a catastrophic failure of the system and inability for the Authority to produce water. Two emergency generators will also be installed at the plant to support operations during electrical power outages. The system serves approximately 367 households in the Borough of Elderton and Plumcreek Township. The low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of approximately $360,000 over the life of the loan.
“These critical upgrades to the Eastern Armstrong Municipal Authority’s water infrastructure will enhance the reliability and safety of our community’s water supply,” Oberlander said. “By replacing the aging pressure filters, installing a generator to prevent failures and rehabilitating the elevated storage tank, we are taking proactive steps to ensure clean, reliable water for our residents. These improvements are vital to maintaining the integrity of our water system and protecting the health and well-being of the people in Armstrong County.”
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)
Rick Leiner (Rep. Oberlander)
Jordan Frei (Rep. Cooper)