West Central PA News

Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Reps. Abby Major (R-60) and Donna Oberlander (R-63) have announced that Armstrong County communities will receive over $2.3 million in public infrastructure grants for five local projects. These grants were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) on December 19, 2023, in Harrisburg.

The funding for these projects comes from two different programs, the COVID-19 ARPA PA Small Water and Sewer Program (SWS) and the COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA program (H2O PA). These programs aim to support important infrastructure improvements in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sen. Pittman emphasized the significance of these investments, stating, "Water and sewer projects are an essential part of maintaining the health and safety of our communities, but often come with a high cost. I'm pleased to have worked to ensure this state support will be invested locally and can help assist with necessary improvements. This is a great day, as these projects will improve services to numerous Armstrong County municipalities and local residents."

Rep. Major also expressed her support for these projects, highlighting the challenges of funding water line extensions. She said, "The exorbitant cost to extend needed water lines makes it nearly impossible to complete these projects without assistance from the state. I remain committed to supporting low-interest loans and grant programs in order to ensure clean drinking water for residents."

One of the funded projects, the Sloan Hill project, was particularly emphasized by Rep. Oberlander. She explained, "To reduce pressure on the valve vault can be advantageous when diagnosing a problem with the valve assembly. The ease of access makes it possible to quickly perform valve maintenance while minimizing downtime, which is imperative with sewage pumping. I was happy to advocate for this funding."

The H2O PA program, established by the General Assembly in 2008, provides grants for the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer projects, as well as flood control projects and the repair of high-hazard unsafe dams. On the other hand, the SWS Program offers grants specifically for small water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure projects.

These infrastructure grants will greatly benefit Armstrong County communities by improving essential services and ensuring the health and safety of residents. The collaborative efforts of Sen. Pittman, Rep. Major, and Rep. Oberlander have successfully secured funding for these important projects, demonstrating their commitment to serving their constituents.

For media inquiries, please contact Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman), Tracy Polovick (Rep. Major), or Rick Leiner (Rep. Oberlander).

Click this link to access more information: https://senatorpittman.com/2023/12/19/pittman-major-oberlander-announce-over-2-3-million-for-armstrong-county-public-infrastructure-projects/