West Central PA News

Senator Cris Dush has announced that Centre County and Jefferson County will receive over $5.6 million in grants from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The funding is allocated for water quality and stormwater infrastructure projects.

Dush stated, "With so many families struggling with ever-rising costs and inflation, cost-effectively funding necessary infrastructure improvement projects must always remain a top priority. Securing this highly competitive PENNVEST funding is a huge win for even more homeowners, employers, schools, farmers and volunteer firefighters throughout our communities whose health, wealth and safety depend upon affordable and reliable access to clean and pristine water."

The Hall Farm in Julian, Centre County, faces issues with manure storage affecting local water quality. The grant will fund a new stacking structure and feeding area using best management practices. The project aims to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment in waterways.

Corsica Borough's stormwater system is outdated. The project includes pipe lining for 3,200 feet of piping and repairs or replacements of 31 concrete inlets. These upgrades aim to control stormwater during heavy rains and prevent sinkholes.

Sykesville Borough will replace about 1.5 miles of stormwater pipes to manage flooding effectively. Approximately 75 drainage regulators will be replaced around key streets to reduce flooding risks.

Dush emphasized the importance of these systems: “Effectively functioning water, sewer and stormwater systems are critical to the health and safety of our local communities but are very expensive to build, upgrade and maintain.”

Since its start in 1988, PENNVEST has funded various projects without support from the state's General Fund budget. Financing comes from federal funds, state bond issues, and proceeds from Act 13 of 2012 related to Marcellus Shale Impact Fees.