LOCK HAVEN — Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-76) today announced the City of Lock Haven has been approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for an $8.8 million low-interest loan to complete the Youngdale Well Field Development project.
This financing will be used for the development of two groundwater wells that will be connected to the Central Clinton County Water Filtration Authority’s water treatment plant. A well-operation building will be constructed with all necessary electrical components and controls, including an emergency generator.
In addition to the construction of a new well transmission line, a meter pressure control and monitoring facility will also be installed to regulate downstream pressure and meter water flow to the city’s service area.
“Properly functioning water and sewer systems are very important to the safety and well-being of any community, but are very expensive to build and maintain,” Dush said. “Fortunately, PENNVEST grants and low-interest loans exist to significantly offset these costs which means ratepayers do not have to bear the brunt of these expensive infrastructure improvement projects that safeguard local water supplies, prevent pollution in our streams and promote public health.”
Recurring water shortages caused by drought and the city’s inadequate reservoir capacity have resulted in frequent water usage restrictions.
“The water supply issues for many in Lock Haven are well known,” said Borowicz. “The two new groundwater wells will be welcomed additions to the Central Clinton County Water Filtration Authority’s system to prevent the need for restrictions on water usage.”
The PENNVEST low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of approximately $9.4 million over the life of the loan.
Completion of the Youngdale Well Field Development project will extend the life of the current system which serves nearly 3,000 households across four Clinton County municipalities. Total user rates are expected to increase by approximately 105% because of these necessary water infrastructure and equipment upgrades.
Since its inception in 1988, PENNVEST has served communities and citizens by funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects across the Commonwealth. PENNVEST funding does not come from the state’s General Fund budget, but 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, 717-787-7084.