The Shapiro Administration announced $547.1 million in grants and loan funding for 30 drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects in 23 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The projects will replace lead lines, rehabilitate aging systems, upgrade treatment and service capabilities, and reduce environmental contaminants, such as PFAS. 

“In just the past five years, PENNVEST has seen an 83% increase in demand for water infrastructure funding — a clear sign of the need for continued investment across Pennsylvania,” said Robert Boos, Executive Director of PENNVEST. “Our revolving loan model ensures these projects are sustainable for the long term — as loans are repaid, those funds are recycled to support future projects. Thanks to this structure, PENNVEST has been able to fully fund every eligible, shovel-ready application since 2015.” 

The projects receiving awards include township projects and those for municipal authorities and utility companies providing services to township residents. Taylor Township in Lawrence County received a $7.33 million grant to expand and upgrade the sewage treatment plant serving nearly 500 residential customers, which will satisfy the terms of a Consent Order and Agreement with DEP. Millcreek Township in Erie County received a $3.8 million loan for pump station improvements serving nearly 24,000 customers in Millcreek and will provide upgrades to critical infrastructure at the end of its useful life. 

Pennsylvania American Water Company received a $1 million grant and a $24 million loan for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation at the Berwick water treatment plant serving nearly 7,000 households in five municipalities throughout Columbia and Luzerne Counties. Jackson Township Water Authority in Cambria County received a $4.5 million loan for pump station upgrades that will increase water storage capabilities and water pressure that will provide better fire protection. Click here to learn more about PennVEST and the projects that were funded by this round of grants and loans.