On April 22, the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority announced the investment of $116 million in 16 drinking water, wastewater, and nonpoint source projects across 13 counties.

"Now, more than ever, there is a need for safe, reliable water infrastructure throughout Pennsylvania’s communities,” said Gov.  Tom Wolf. “As we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, these projects will help to ensure the safety and well-being of thousands of Pennsylvanians, while also contributing to the economic recovery that is critically vital to the strength of our Commonwealth.”

The funding for these projects originates from a combination of state funds approved by voters, Growing Greener, Marcellus Legacy funds supported by the Act 13 drilling impact fee, federal grants to PennVEST from the Environmental Protection Agency, and recycled loan repayments from previous PennVEST funding awards. Funds for these projects are disbursed after expenses for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PennVEST for review.

"As today marks the fiftieth anniversary of Earth Day, these projects are the embodiment of that celebration,” said Gov. Wolf. “Making investments in clean water and environmental protection efforts keeps our citizens healthy, sustains and creates jobs, and strengthens our economy as a whole. There is no better display of our commitment to our environment and our recognition of Earth Day.”

Among the projects funded where these nonpoint source and stormwater water quality improvement projects--

-- Crawford and Mercer Counties:  Jamestown Area School District – received a $300,000 loan to replace an existing stormwater conveyance system with nearly 1,000 feet of new piping and open channel stabilization and fencing. The project will replace a system that has reached the end of its useful life and will alleviate flooding to a school building.

-- Lancaster County--

     -- Chester County Conservation District – received a $612,290 grant to construct two concrete waste structure facilities, a manure transfer system, and erosion controls at an existing dairy farm. The project will reduce nutrient and sediment discharge in the Pequea Creek, an impaired waterway.

     -- Chester County Conservation District – received a $321,133 grant to install streambank fencing, a stormwater conveyance system, and stream crossing at an existing swine farm operation. The project will reduce sediment and runoff into a tributary of Indian Run, an impaired waterway.

     -- Chester County Conservation District – received a $361,500 grant to construct a manure transfer and storage system, including new stormwater conveyance controls at an existing dairy operation. The project will reduce sediment and nutrient runoff into Indian Run, an impaired stream.

     -- Chester County Conservation District – received an $803,522 grant to modify an existing agricultural heavy use area, construct a new manure transfer system, and install a stormwater conveyance system at an existing farm operation. The project will eliminate runoff into a tributary of the Cocalico Creek.

Click Here for a complete list of projects.

Public Outreach Meetings

PennVEST has scheduled a series of public outreach meetings throughout the state, as long as COVID-19 mitigation rules allow the meetings, to provide prospective applicants information on how to apply for PennVEST funding.

Click Here to review an updated schedule.

The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority was established to provide loans and grants to support for drinking water, wastewater and water quality improvement projects.  It accepts applications for funding throughout the year.

Related Article:

PennVEST Board Approves Up To $450 Million In Financial Aid To PA Hospitals

[Posted: April 25, 2020]

4/27/2020