Governor Edward G. Rendell announced a $61 million investment made by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, or PENNVEST, to continue the revitalization of the area’s water resources.
"Our water resources are important to the continued growth of our economy," Governor Rendell said. "The investments made today by the PENNVEST board will help maintain and restore our precious water resources while stimulating job growth and economic revitalization, particularly in our older, established communities."
Most of the money approved today, $56 million, is in the form of low-interest loans. Combined with $4.9 million in grants, PENNVEST will fund 15 clean water projects in 13 counties.
The awards approved by PENNVEST will include $185,000 loan to design a waterline extension that will bring potable water to residents of a small community in Clearfield County, and an $8 million loan to eliminate discharges from malfunctioning on-lot septic systems in a Luzerne County community.
Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for work are paid and the receipts are submitted to PENNVEST for reimbursement.
During the PENNVEST quarterly board meeting, Jon Capacasa of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented awards to two projects previously funded by PENNVEST. These were two out of a total of 57 total awards given by EPA for projects that demonstrate exceptional innovations and environmental achievements. The two projects cited at this meeting were:
- Aqua PA, Bristol Borough, Bucks County for a drinking water project --The Bristol water treatment facility has been in continuous operation since 1874. Aqua Pennsylvania purchased the facility in 1996 and used a $5.9 million loan from PENNVEST to rehabilitate and upgrade the facility. The project reduced the potential for water contamination and eliminated safety hazards at the plant.
- AMD Reclamation, Dunkard Township, Greene County for an acid mine drainage project -- AMD Reclamation Inc. received a $4.3 million loan to build a facility to treat water in a mine pool that would have overflowed and contaminated the Monongahela River. This project also allowed the mine to reopen and create new jobs in the community.
Source: Office of Governor Rendell
