On July 17, the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority announced the investment of $257.5 million for 18 drinking water, wastewater, and non-point source projects across 13 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.

The projects include replacing lead or other corrosive pipes, rehabilitating aging systems, upgrading service capabilities, extending service to more communities, and reducing environmental contaminants through compliance with current regulatory levels and agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP's).

During the meeting, the Board approved a $1 billion budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. Within this budget, an additional $46 million in grants are being made available over last year's levels for lead line removal, emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and for applicants where hardship conditions are identified.

“The Shapiro Administration strives to safeguard every Pennsylvanian's right to the basic necessity of clean water. Ensuring the reliability of our water infrastructure is critical for the health of our communities. Now is the time to address clean water infrastructure," said PennVEST Chairman Dr. Brian Regli. “Through the support of federal funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this is a once in a generational opportunity to access funding for projects throughout Pennsylvania."

Established in 1988, PennVEST was anticipated to fund $2 billion in clean water infrastructure projects over a 20-year period. PennVEST has surpassed its 36th year and has invested over $12.2 billion dollars in clean water infrastructure in Pennsylvanian communities.

In fiscal year 2018-2019, the PennVEST Board awarded $376.3 million in total funding awards for water, wastewater, stormwater, and nonpoint source projects.

In fiscal year 2022-2023, the PennVEST Board awarded $956.4 million in total funding awards, representing more than a 250 percent increase in program funding over the last four years.

The success of the program originates from the revolving nature of the fund. Projects are financed at below market rates.

As principal and interest is repaid, the funding is utilized to fund additional projects. Over time, the fund grows providing capacity to fund clean water infrastructure needs within Pennsylvania.

The funding for these projects originates from a combination of state funds approved by voters, Growing Greener funds, the Act 13 drilling impact fee funded Marcellus Legacy Fund, the federal Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, federal grant awards to PennVEST from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments, and recycled loan repayments from previous PennVEST funding awards.

Click Here for a list of projects funded.

Visit the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority website to learn more about water infrastructure funding opportunities.

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[Posted: July 18, 2024]

7/22/2024