West Central PA News

Senator Cris Dush, Representative Martin Causer, and Representative Mike Armanini have announced that Benezette Township in Elk County and Galeton Borough in Potter County will receive over $1.7 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for wastewater infrastructure improvements.

"Access to clean water is critical to ensuring both public health and public safety," stated Dush. "This funding will help meet the safe and reliable water supply needs of even more homeowners, employers, and volunteer firefighters throughout our communities. I’m pleased that PENNVEST is able to offer financing for these extremely important local infrastructure upgrades."

Galeton Borough Authority has been granted approximately $1,421,960 for the replacement of wastewater treatment equipment. This includes installing two new aerobic digesters and blowers, a new sludge pump, a new central clarifier, and new onsite sewer lines. These enhancements aim to significantly improve the plant's sludge handling capacity and ability to manage wet-weather flows.

"This grant is an important investment in necessary infrastructure for the Galeton community and, more importantly, in the health and safety of its residents," said Causer. "The PENNVEST funding will help ensure clean water while also limiting the financial burden on residents."

Benezette Township has received a grant of approximately $106,700 along with a low-interest loan totaling $243,300 for installing a new effluent pump station at its existing wastewater treatment plant. The project also involves laying around 800 feet of new 2-inch high-density polyethylene pipe.

"Maintaining our infrastructure is an investment we must make in our communities," Armanini remarked. "I applaud the Benezette Township supervisors for taking the initiative to apply for the PENNVEST funding and am glad they were successful in going to bat for their residents."

PENNVEST was established in 1988 to provide low-interest loans and grants for constructing or improving water and wastewater treatment plants. Many small community systems require major rehabilitation or are too overburdened to accommodate growth.

Funding from PENNVEST does not come from the state's General Fund budget but through federal funding, previous state bond issues, and proceeds from Act 13 of 2012 related to the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee.

For further information: Ty McCauslin, Communications Director at tmccauslin@pasen.gov.