On October 19, the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority announced the investment of $236 million in 23 drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and nonpoint pollution reduction projects in 15 counties.

“I’m encouraged to see continued, increased investments in our clean water infrastructure across the Commonwealth, and these awards mark a historic occasion,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “This round of water quality funding will deliver the first dollars from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, signed by President Biden in November of 2021. This funding will create generational change in improving our environment and planning for future growth.”

“Clean water is the lifeblood of any community. These projects will help children grow and families thrive by providing safe drinking water and improving water infrastructure to protect public health,” said US Senator Bob Casey. “I’m proud to say that this is just the beginning of water infrastructure funding coming to Pennsylvania thanks to federal investments and the infrastructure law.”

The funding for these projects originates from a combination of state funds approved by voters, Growing Greener, Act 13 drilling impact fees, the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, federal grants to PennVEST from the U.S. 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.

This award announcement also includes projects that are addressing emerging contaminants under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which are being funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in communities’ water systems across Pennsylvania. 

To date, $17,741,000 remains available for emerging contaminants under the DWSRF for the 2022-2023 budget cycle.

“As communities have been planning for the opportunity to take advantage of this momentous federal investment, federal, state, and local partners have ensured that we can distribute this funding efficiently and equitably,” said Gov. Wolf.  “Funding through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act will truly address some of the neediest populations in Pennsylvania with some of the worst legacy environmental issues, including lead contamination and emerging contaminants.  As we continue to ensure that communities have access to this funding, they can in turn ensure that at-risk populations are safe to drink clean water and enjoy their own environmental gifts.”

Click Here for a list of projects funded.

For more information on water infrastructure opportunities, visit the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority website.  Applications are accepted continuously through the year.

Related Article:

-- CFA Accepting ARPA-Funded H2O Applications For Water Supply, Wastewater, Stormwater Projects  [PaEN]

[Posted: October 19, 2022]

10/24/2022