HARRISBURG – Two projects in Armstrong and Westmoreland counties will benefit from $24.7 million in low-interest loans awarded today by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), according to Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Rep. Abby Major (R-60).
“These projects are critical in ensuring our region has quality drinking water and sewer infrastructure is upgraded and structurally sound when faced with storm events,” said Pittman. “I am proud to support local officials who spearheaded these initiatives, in the effort to better our communities for the future.”
“I’m pleased to support both of these important projects,” Major said. “The expansion of the Freeport plant will benefit area residents and businesses by ensuring capacity needs are met so safe drinking water is available. The Chartiers project will address sewer issues, which will have a positive environmental impact. I look forward to completion of both of these projects.”
In Armstrong County, the following project was approved:
Buffalo Township Municipal Authority was awarded an $8.9 million low-interest loan to expand its water treatment plant along the Allegheny River in Freeport Borough due to increased residential and commercial development in the existing service area. This project includes additional influent and effluent pumps, a new treatment basin, membrane filtration skid, and clearwell tank, and a second clarifier – all of which will be housed in the existing facility.
In Westmoreland County, the following project was approved:
City of Lower Burrell Municipal Authority was awarded a $15.8 million low-interest loan to upgrade the Chartiers pumps station and force main as part of its implementation of an approved long-term control plan to reduce combined sewer overflows and eliminate separate sewer overflows. This project includes replacing existing pumps, installing a backup generator, adding a one-million-gallon aboveground equalization tank with blowers and fully replacing the existing force main with 4,400 feet of new 10-inch force main. The equalization tank will be located at the pump station to serve as a buffer for storm events.
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)