Senator Bob Casey Announces Major Water Infrastructure Investment in Pennsylvania

Glass of waterPhoto by Vladyslav Dukhin on Pexels.com

WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senator Bob Casey announced the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority’s (PENNVEST) approval of over $149 million in projects aimed at upgrading water systems across the Commonwealth. This funding, bolstered by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), represents a critical step in ensuring communities have access to clean and safe drinking water.

The approved projects target the removal and replacement of hazardous lead pipes and the mitigation of harmful Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination. With more than $65.6 million allocated to these specific issues, the initiative marks a decisive effort to address longstanding environmental and health concerns within Pennsylvania. Additionally, the funding supports over $84.1 million dedicated to essential water infrastructure improvements, including the replacement of water mains, the construction and repair of sewer systems, and upgrades to pump stations.

Senator Casey emphasized the importance of these investments, referencing Pennsylvania’s constitutional promise of providing safe and pure water to its residents. “For too long, communities across our Commonwealth have lacked the necessary resources to fulfill this commitment,” Casey stated, highlighting the transformative potential of the infrastructure law in combating water contamination and enhancing infrastructure.

Bucks County, which has been a focal point of Casey’s efforts to combat PFAS pollution, is among the seven counties benefiting from this round of funding. This approval is part of a broader initiative by PENNVEST, which has announced more than $396 million in projects this year alone, funded through the IIJA. This includes a substantial allocation announced in July for lead pipe removal and wastewater system upgrades.

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Since the enactment of the IIJA, Pennsylvania has been a recipient of over $1 billion dedicated to water infrastructure, reflecting the federal commitment to improving the state’s environmental standards and public health safeguards. These projects not only aim to provide immediate solutions to pressing water quality issues but also lay the groundwork for sustainable infrastructure development across the state.

See below for a list of project recipients:

County Recipient Project Type Grant Amount Loan Amount Total Amount
Allegheny Pennsylvania American Water Company Lead Service Line/Drinking Water $3,908,944 $1,891,056 $5,800,000
Allegheny Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Lead Service Line/Drinking Water $4,907,206 $1,715,938 $6,623,144
Allegheny Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Replacing water mains $0 $62,672,221 $62,672,221
Allegheny West View Water Authority Lead Service Line/Drinking Water $5,635,872 $3,144,428 $8,780,300
Allegheny Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority Lead Service Line/Drinking Water $6,798,083 $3,101,917 $9,900,000
Bucks Telford Borough Authority PFAS Mitigation $9,815,000 $0 $9,815,000
Crawford Saegertown Borough PFAS Mitigation $12,678,000 $0 $12,678,000
Lehigh Lehigh County Authority Lead Service Line/Drinking Water $6,337,070 $5,660,930 $11,998,000
Allegheny Shaler Township Public Sewer System Repairs $0 $4,300,000 $4,300,000
Juniata Port Royal Municipal Authority Pump Station/WWTP Upgrades $1,336,925 $2,359,032 $3,695,957
Mifflin Bratton Township Pump Station/WWTP Upgrades $5,471,726 $943,574 $6,415,300
Venango Clintonville Borough Sewer & Water Authority New sewage plant $7,061,880 $0 $7,061,880
As these projects commence, they are expected to deliver substantial improvements to the water systems in homes, schools, and businesses, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents across Pennsylvania. The continued advocacy and support from federal leaders underscore a resolute effort to honor the state’s commitment to safe and clean water for all its citizens.

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