HARRISBURG – Sen. Cris Dush (R-25), Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Rep. Mike Armanini (R-Clearfield/Elk) announced today that Benezette Township (Elk County) and Galeton Borough (Potter County) are set to receive more than $1.7 million in Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) funds for wastewater infrastructure improvements.
“Access to clean water is critical to ensuring both public health and public safety,” said Dush. “This funding will help meet the safe and reliable water supply needs of even more homeowners, employers and volunteer firefighters throughout our communities. I’m pleased that PENNVEST is able to offer financing for these extremely important local infrastructure upgrades.”
A grant totaling approximately $1,421,960 was awarded to Galeton Borough Authority for the replacement of wastewater treatment equipment, including the installation of two new aerobic digesters and blowers, a new sludge pump, a new central clarifier, and new onsite sewer lines. Combined with enhancements to the existing aeration tanks, these wastewater treatment upgrades will substantially improve the plant’s sludge handling capacity and ability to handle wet-weather flows.
“This grant is an important investment in necessary infrastructure for the Galeton community and, more importantly, in the health and safety of its residents,” Causer said. “The PENNVEST funding will help ensure clean water while also limiting the financial burden on residents.”
A grant totaling approximately $106,700 and a low-interest loan totaling $243,300 were awarded to Benezette Township for the installation of a new effluent pump station at the existing wastewater treatment plant. Approximately 800 feet of new 2-inch, high-density polyethylene pipe will also be installed.
“Maintaining our infrastructure is an investment we must make in our communities,” said Armanini. “I applaud the Benezette Township supervisors for taking the initiative to apply for the PENNVEST funding and am glad they were successful in going to bat for their residents.”
Established in 1988, PENNVEST provides low-interest loans and grants to communities for new construction or improvements to water and wastewater treatment plants. Many of these small community water and sewer systems are in need of major rehabilitation or are too overburdened to accommodate new growth.
PENNVEST is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth. Financing is provided through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state as well as proceeds from Act 13 of 2012, the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee.
CONTACT: Ty McCauslin, Communications Director at tmccauslin@pasen.gov.