Without repairs and upgrades to its water treatment systems, Pennsylvanians will see the quality of their drinking water compromised, the state’s top environmental official cautioned this week at two events designed to promote the Clean Water referendum on the November 4 ballot.

“On Nov. 4, Pennsylvania voters have an opportunity to provide vital funding that our municipalities and communities need to complete costly improvements to their water and wastewater facilities,” Department of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary John Hanger said. “By approving the $400 million bond issue, Pennsylvanians will be making an important investment to rebuild the Commonwealth’s water treatment systems.”

Agreeing to the Water and Sewer System Referendum will help serve as a down payment towards fixing Pennsylvania’s deteriorating and aging pipes and sewer lines. The $400 million would be used for grants by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, or PennVEST, to upgrade or repair drinking water system and wastewater treatment system projects in every region of the state.

Grants awarded would range from $2 million to $20 million, depending on the size of the drinking water or sewage treatment system.

In a visit to Schuylkill County, Acting Secretary Hanger said the 183 publicly owned water systems facing federal mandates to reduce nutrient pollution in the Susquehanna and Potomac river basins, and downstream in the Chesapeake Bay, would be eligible for support under this referendum.

“As in other parts of the state, many Schuylkill County water treatment facilities are in danger of failure, putting the public and the environment at risk,” noted Acting Secretary Hanger.

In a visit to Norristown and an American Water Company project to replace 1,400 feet of aging water pipes, Acting Secretary Hanger said approval of the referendum will provide jobs in communities all over the state.

"If approved, these new resources will help Pennsylvania provide for the safety, health and welfare of its families, businesses and industry by improving our infrastructure. These are critical projects that could put approximately 12,000 people to work making repairs and upgrades that are needed to strengthen our economy," said Acting Secretary Hanger.

Gov. Rendell and the legislature have laid the groundwork for an historic effort to rebuild the state’s vital water infrastructure by approving a separate proposal in July that provides $800 million to repair and upgrade the state’s drinking water and wastewater systems, flood control projects and high-hazard dams. This money will be repaid with gaming revenues. (PA Environment Digest 7/14/08)

For more information, visit the PA Fair Share For Clean Water Vote Yes webpage.

10/24/2008