Pittsburgh Review

Last week Gov. Tom Wolf announced that 13 drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and non-point source projects in 11 counties will be funded with a $199 million investment through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

Funding comes from voter-approved state funds along with Growing Greener, Marcellus Legacy funds, federal grants from the Environmental Protection Agency and recycled loan payments from previous funding through PENNVEST, a recent press release from the governor's office said.

"Ensuring the reliability of our most precious infrastructure is vital to the road to recovery for many of our communities," Wolf said in the release. "As we prepare for much-needed increases in federal and state resources for clean water infrastructure over the next several years, these projects will pave the way for successful growth and revitalization."

Water projects include the Kittanning Suburban Joint Water Authority in Armstrong County, which received a loan of $3,421,000 for a new 300,000-gallon glass-fused to steel-bolted water tank and new mixers for their six water tanks. The upgrades will increase water reliability for users of the system in addition to improving water quality by removing dirty filter media.

Capital Region Water received $41,622,000 to replace 6,300 feet of a water main and piping in the Allison Hill district of Harrisburg in Dauphin County. In Lebanon County, the Mt. Gretna Campmeeting Association received $1,404,527 to demolish a water storage tank and create a replacement tank to increase reliability of potable water and water pressure.

In Luzerne County, the Hazleton City Authority received two loans of $3.3 million and $1,857,220, respectively, for various improvements. In Mercer County, the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Greenville received $8,980,553 to release 25,600 feet of piping and relocate the Hadley Road booster station. The City of Philadelphia also received $125 million to build two 5-million-gallon clear well basins.

A stormwater project in Penn Township of Westmoreland County received a loan amounting to $2,226,427 to install 1,700 feet of storm piping and inlets along with a stilling well. The project will tackle flooding issues along Dolly Avenue and in the Harrison Park area. It will also incorporate green infrastructure by using bioretention ponds.

A non-point source project in Luzerne County received a grant of $630,000 to create a concrete manure storage tank and associated transfer system.

The Somerset County Conservation District received a grant of $682,638 for constructing a circular manure storage structure and stacking area at the Joe Walker farm in Summit Township.

Two counties received funding for wastewater projects. In Union County, the Hartleton Borough Municipal Authority received a grant of $44,224 and a loan of $1,369,372 to replace a wastewater treatment plant. And in Cambria County, the West Branch Sewer Authority received $4,029,500 to replace an outdated ultraviolet disinfection system.