The Commonwealth Financing Authority today (August 17) awarded grants totaling $3,492,388 for local water and sewer system improvements, according to Senator Dan Laughlin.
The Harborcreek Township Sewer Authority received a $1.8 million H2O PA – Water Supply, Sewer & Stormwater grant for a planned major sewer project that also involves the City of Erie and Lawrence Park Township. The project involves the installation of 9,365 feet of sewer line beginning at Nagle Road and Iroquois Avenue and terminating in the City of Erie. The total project cost is estimated at $6.1 million.
The Borough of Albion was awarded a $288,150 Small Water & Sewer Program grant for improvements to its sanitary sewer system along Walnut Street. The project involves the installation of 2,200 feet of sanitary sewer lines to increase capacity to prevent sewage back-ups into basements and protect the public health. The total project cost is estimated at $339,000.
The McKean Township Supervisors were awarded a $415,000 Small Water & Sewer Program grant to replace the Colonial Village Subdivision Sewage Treatment Plant. The township has experienced excessive operation and maintenance costs with the existing sewage treatment plant in recent years. The new plant will allow the township to serve existing and future customers more efficiently. The total project cost is estimated at $500,000.
The Municipal Authority of Middleboro received a $163,801 Small Water & Sewer Program grant to stabilize streambanks along Elk Creek near its wastewater treatment plant. The project calls for the installation of riprap rock protection for approximately 300 feet. The total project cost is estimated at $192,708.
The authority also received a $114,312 Small Water & Sewer Program grant to extend a sanitary sewer line along North Main Street in McKean Borough. The project involves the installation of 1,350 feet of sewer lines to connect seven buildings that are currently served by on-lot septic systems. The total project cost is estimated at $134,485.
The Summit Township Sewer Authority received a $367,415 Small Water & Sewer Program grant for upgrades to its sanitary sewer system. The authority plans to install a new interceptor sewer to provide additional capacity to its Route 97 conveyance system. The total project cost is estimated at $432,254.
The authority was also awarded a $343,710 Small Water & Sewer Program grant to expand service to 23 additional properties. The project includes the installation of 1.150 feet of sewer lines. The total project cost is estimated at $416,130.
“This state funding is vitally important, otherwise ratepayers would face a heavy financial burden if these municipalities had to secure conventional financing for the entire cost of these projects,” said Senator Laughlin. “These grants are significant investments by the state in Erie County, which will improve the quality of life for residents and make our region even more attractive for economic development.”
The Small Water & Sewer Program provides funding to municipalities and municipal authorities for projects with a total cost ranging from $30,000 to $500,000. The funds may be used for activities to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or repair of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system, or flood control projects.
Contact: Matt Azeles mazeles@pasen.gov