Two infrastructure projects in Armstrong and Westmoreland counties will receive a combined $24.7 million in low-interest loans from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), according to State Senator Joe Pittman and Representative Abby Major.
“These projects are critical in ensuring our region has quality drinking water and sewer infrastructure is upgraded and structurally sound when faced with storm events,” said Pittman. “I am proud to support local officials who spearheaded these initiatives, in the effort to better our communities for the future.”
“I’m pleased to support both of these important projects,” Major said. “The expansion of the Freeport plant will benefit area residents and businesses by ensuring capacity needs are met so safe drinking water is available. The Chartiers project will address sewer issues, which will have a positive environmental impact. I look forward to completion of both of these projects.”
In Armstrong County, the Buffalo Township Municipal Authority will use an $8.9 million loan to expand its water treatment facility along the Allegheny River in Freeport Borough. The expansion is necessary due to increased residential and commercial development within its service area. Planned upgrades include new influent and effluent pumps, a treatment basin, membrane filtration skid, clearwell tank, and an additional clarifier housed at the existing facility.
Westmoreland County’s City of Lower Burrell Municipal Authority was awarded $15.8 million for upgrades at the Chartiers pump station as part of efforts to reduce combined sewer overflows. The work involves replacing pumps, installing a backup generator, constructing a one-million-gallon aboveground equalization tank with blowers, and fully replacing 4,400 feet of force main pipe.
PENNVEST provides financing using federal funds, previous state bond issues, and proceeds from Act 13 of 2012 related to Marcellus Shale Impact Fees.
Senator Joe Pittman represents Pennsylvania’s 41st Senatorial District—which includes Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson, and Westmoreland counties—and serves as Senate Majority Leader [source]. He supports infrastructure improvements like those funded by PENNVEST while promoting policies focused on job creation and balanced resource management [source].
