The Indiana County Municipal Services Authority (ICMSA) was awarded a $10,775,000 grant today (January 29) by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to extend water service to the Marion Center area, according to state Senator Joe Pittman, a member of the PENNVEST Board
ICMSA will use the funding to extend its Plumville system through much of northern Indiana County in the area along Routes 85 and 119, through the Village of Home, to the borough of Marion Center — a project that includes 100,000 feet of waterlines, a new storage tank, meters and fire hydrants, according to Senator Pittman.
“We are very fortunate to have the PENNVEST Board approve a $10.7 million grant to extend public water lines throughout northern Indiana County, particularly in the Plumville and Marion Center areas. Most significantly, this project will bring public water to the Marion Center School District,” said Senator Pittman. “Historically, the school district has relied on a private water source that has been less than adequate. This project will be very significant for the entire community of Marion Center, as well as the Route 85 and 119 corridors. Public water supplies are important for property values and fire protection and ultimately benefit homeowners by reducing their insurance premiums. It will also open up opportunities for economic development in northern Indiana County.” Video Audio
State Representatives Cris Dush and James Struzzi joined Senator Pittman in lauding the PENNVEST funding.
“Access to clean, safe water is a fundamental element of improved quality of life, especially when it comes to protecting the safety of our young people,” said Representative Struzzi. “It is also a crucial function of government to provide the proper core infrastructure systems to encourage new economic development.”
“I am pleased that ICMSA was awarded these grant dollars to expand its water system to Marion Center,” said Representative Dush. “This is a case where PENNVEST is stepping up to help the community address a serious public health issue, one that is especially essential since it has a direct impact on the students in the Marion Center Area School District.”
PENNVEST is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth. 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.
Contact: Carlton Logue clogue@pasen.gov