West Central PA News

HARRISBURG – Shinglehouse Borough in Pennsylvania will receive nearly $15.5 million in funding for its ongoing wastewater treatment plant improvements, according to an announcement made by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Sen. Cris Dush (R-25). The funding includes a $5.99 million low-interest loan and a $9.5 million grant from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

"As is the case in most rural communities, meaningful and sustained economic recovery begins with adequately funding and maintaining a safe, reliable, and clean water and sewer infrastructure," said Dush. "I am confident that Shinglehouse Borough will apply both this grant and low-interest loan as investments toward responsible environmental stewardship, to ensure a healthier ecosystem and safeguard the well-being of aquatic life. By qualifying for this highly competitive state financing, Shinglehouse Borough will be able to significantly upgrade the sewer wastewater treatment plant and meet the water quality needs of their community for years to come."

Causer emphasized the importance of the investment in public health and infrastructure systems. "It is so important to ensure our communities can properly treat their wastewater to protect our clean water supply. I was pleased to support this funding," said Causer.

The funding will be used by Shinglehouse Borough to enter the second phase of its plan to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility. The upgrades will include installing essential treatment equipment such as a new grit removal system, clarifiers, effluent pumps and controls, and a new pre-anaerobic reactor tank. The existing chlorine contact tank will also be rehabilitated with concrete and an epoxy coating system, and a new headworks building will be constructed as part of the project.

The wastewater treatment system in Shinglehouse Borough serves 531 households in the borough and three in Sharon Township.

PENNVEST, which has been providing funding for sewer, storm water, and drinking water projects across Pennsylvania since 1988, awarded the loan and grant at its recent meeting. It is important to note that PENNVEST funding does not come from the state's General Fund budget but through the use of federal funding, prior bond issues by the state, and proceeds from Act 13 of 2012, the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee.

The funding for the wastewater treatment plant improvements in Shinglehouse Borough is a significant step towards ensuring the community's access to clean and reliable water and sewer infrastructure. With these upgrades, the borough will be able to meet the water quality needs of its residents for years to come, while also contributing to responsible environmental stewardship and the preservation of aquatic life.