Gov. Corbett Tuesday announced the investment of $79 million in 27 non-point source, drinking water, and wastewater projects in 16 counties through the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority.

“Today’s funding approvals bring PennVEST’s total assistance over its 24 year history past the $7 billion mark, a landmark achievement for this program and for the state as a whole,” Corbett said. “I am fully committed to continuing and expanding this effort to bring clean water and sustainable jobs to the citizens of Pennsylvania, both now and in the future.”

Also notable is that this was the first Board of Directors meeting for five new governor appointees to the board: William Sasso (Chair), M. Joel Bolstein, Donald Gennuso, Bruce Hottle and Jan Rea.  This was also the last board meeting for Rep. Camille George, who has served on the Board since its inception in 1988.

Of the $79 million total awards, $69 million is for low-interest loans and $10 million is offered as grants.

The awards range from a $100,287 loan to construct waste handling facilities that will reduce nutrient runoff into a stream in Chester County, to a $12.8 million loan/grant combination for a project in Blair County that will both reduce nutrient discharges to the Chesapeake Bay as well as eliminate the use of malfunctioning on-lot septic systems that are contaminating local drinking water wells.

The funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, federal grants to PennVEST from the Environmental Protection Agency and recycled loan repayments from previous PennVEST funding awards. Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PennVEST.

A list of projects funded is available online.

For more information, visit the PennVEST website or call 717-783-6798.

10/29/2012