The projects include replacing lead or other corrosive pipes, rehabilitating aging systems, upgrading service capabilities, extending service to more communities, and reducing environmental contaminants through the compliance with current regulatory levels and agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP’s).
The Shapiro Administration is committed to ensuring every community in the Commonwealth has access to clean drinking water to safeguard public health and advance environmental justice – and these projects will help ensure more Pennsylvanians have that access.
“Thanks to our federal partners and the Biden Administration, we are making a major investment in Pennsylvanians’ communities, ensuring that our residents have access to pure water and upholding their constitutional rights here in the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro. “Ensuring that Pennsylvania’s citizens have access to safe and secure infrastructure is a fundamental responsibility of government. My Administration will continue to lead the way to protect public health and the environment across the Commonwealth.”
The funding for these projects originates from a combination of state funds approved by voters, Growing Greener funds, Marcellus Legacy funds-- supported by Act 13 drilling impact fee revenue, the federal Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) stimulus funds, the federal grant awards to PennVEST from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments, and the recycled loan repayments from previous PennVEST funding awards.
These investments can help to not only modernize, but futurize, Pennsylvania water infrastructure to ensure it operates efficiently, effectively, and provides clean water for Pennsylvanians.
“This is a historic moment for Pennsylvania’s water and sewer systems, as the federal funding for water projects will help us make meaningful investments in communities across the Commonwealth,” said PennVEST Chairman Dr. Brian Regli. “As part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to increase every Pennsylvanian’s access to clean air and pure water, PennVEST goal is to reach every potential entity who may be unaware this financial assistance exists and assist them in accessing available funding through the application process.”
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority received the most grant and loan funding totalling over $32 million for lead service line replacements.
Click Here for a list of projects funded.
Visit the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority webpage to learn more about water infrastructure funding opportunities.
[Posted: January 24, 2023] PA Environment Digest
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