CBS 21 - PA Governor announces $134 Million investment in water infrastructure

 

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett announced the investment of $134 million in 25 non-point source, drinking water and wastewater projects in 21 counties. 

 

“Today’s approvals by the PENNVEST Board of much-needed funding for clean water projects throughout the commonwealth affirms my administration’s commitment to protecting and improving the environment while creating a solid foundation for future growth in Pennsylvania,” Governor Corbett said. “Despite challenging economic times, the PENNVEST Board is investing in our future and protecting our environment.”

 

Of the $134 million total, $75 million is for low-interest loans and $59 million is offered as grants.

 

The awards range from a $100,000 loan to install water distribution lines in a Westmoreland County community so that residents will no longer have to haul drinking water to their homes; to a $36 million, evenly split loan/grant combination to upgrade and expand a wastewater treatment plant in Allegheny County to eliminate overloading of the facility during wet weather and the resulting discharges of waste into the Youghiogheny and Monongahela Rivers.

 

The funding approved today comes from a combination of commonwealth funds approved by voter referenda, federal grants to PENNVEST from the Environmental Protection agency and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards. Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST.