Pennsylvania announces funds for water infrastructure projects

The US state of Pennsylvania has announced an investment of $91m to fund and support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects in 20 of its counties.

Funding for the investment will be provided through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

Nearly $84m of the proposed $91m funding will be provided as low interest loans, while the remaining $7m will be offered as grants to help the projects.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbet said the investment will help the counties improve the water infrastructure and benefit the environment and economy of the state, as well as fulfil the basic purpose of PENNVEST and the administration.

"We have made significant progress in both of these areas for more than two years now and, with efforts such as this, we will continue to add to these accomplishments and further the realisation of these twin goals,” Corbett added.

Bucks County will receive a loan and a grant to control stormwater surge and plant trees, while Delaware County will get grants to plant trees in the region and reduce stormwater erosion.

Under the PENNVEST Drinking Water Projects, Allegheny County, Cambria County, Clearfield County and Northumberland County will receive finance to build or complete new projects, and upgrade the existing infrastructure.

Adams County, Armstrong and Clarion Counties, Beaver County, Cambria County, Centre and Clearfield Counties, Clarion County, Cumberland County, and Lawrence County will also benefit from the investment.

Other counties to recieve funds include Lebanon County, Mercer County, Montour County, Northumberland County, Potter County, Washington County and Westmoreland County.

Cumberland County will support the upgrade of its wastewater treatment plant to help eliminate wet weather discharges into the Susquehanna River, and also meet its nutrient discharge limitations.

PENNVEST will disperse funds for the projects once bills for the work are completed and receipts are submitted.

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Image: The Cumberland County in Pennsylvania, US, will get PENNVEST funds to upgrade its wastewater infrastructure and prevent discharges into the Susquehanna River. Photo: Courtesy of Nicholas.