The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has allocated $10 million in grant support and a low-interest loan to the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County for its Lead Service Line Replacement Project. This announcement was made by Senator Joe Pittman and Representative Abby Major.
The project aims to replace lead service lines identified within the authority’s system, addressing potential health concerns and ensuring compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule. The current system serves 116,000 residential customers, covering a population of 261,687.
Approximately 1,000 lead service lines are expected to be replaced across several boroughs in Westmoreland County, including Vandergrift, East Vandergrift, Hyde Park, and West Leechburg. In Armstrong County, replacements will occur in Apollo, Leechburg, North Apollo, and Parks Township.
“Clean, safe and reliable water is vital for the well-being of our communities,” said Senator Pittman. “I’m pleased this substantial state support will help so many individuals and families in Westmoreland and Armstrong Counties. This PENNVEST funding will certainly go a long way to assist with the critical improvements being undertaken by the authority to help protect public health and support infrastructure advancements.”
Representative Major added her support: “I’m pleased to support funding for this project that will help 1,000 customers in Armstrong and Westmoreland counties reduce their exposure to lead in their drinking water. Lead can have serious health consequences, especially in children. The PENNVEST program is vital to making projects like this affordable.”
The total cost of the project is estimated at $11 million. The PENNVEST funding includes a grant amounting to $4,556,036 alongside a low-interest loan of $5,443,964.
Funding from PENNVEST comes from federal sources as well as previous state bond issues and proceeds from the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee legislation under Act 13 of 2012.
