Senator Joe Pittman and Representative Jill Cooper have announced that Westmoreland County will receive significant state funding for a major water improvement project. This funding will come from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), which has granted the Municipal Authority of the City of New Kensington nearly $1.4 million. Alongside this grant, a low-interest loan exceeding $74,000 with a 1% interest rate spread over 20 years has been secured, translating to a grant-equivalent saving of more than $52,500.
These funds aim to replace lead service lines that affect 100 residential customers, with 73 of these customers in New Kensington and 27 in Arnold. The project will also address private sections of lead service lines. This initiative is expected to enhance water safety and relieve the financial burden on customers.
Senator Pittman commented on the significance of the funding: “Replacing service lines that have the potential to leak lead into our drinking water is a top priority, but it’s also very expensive. I am pleased this state funding will go such a long way toward keeping people safe while shielding them from substantial cost increases.”
Without this state intervention, user fees were predicted to increase significantly, affecting over 14,000 customers with an estimated 341% increase in costs. Representative Cooper added that the initiative is vital for public health and infrastructure development: “This investment is a win for public health, affordability and the future of our infrastructure. No family should have to choose between clean water and their household budget. Projects such as this ensure our communities can move forward without leaving anyone behind.”
In addition to upgrading the water system, the project will improve water reliability for nearly 49,000 residents and help maintain compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule. PENNVEST is known for providing financial assistance for the construction of drinking water, sewer, and stormwater projects supported by federal funding, prior bond issues, and proceeds from the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee legislation, Act 13 of 2012.
