HARRISBURG – A $7.5 million loan will support water treatment upgrades that will benefit several communities in Blair County, according to Senator Judy Ward (R-30) and Representative Jim Gregory (R-80).
The funding will help the Altoona Water Authority upgrade its ozone systems for the Tipton/Plane Nine/Mill Run water treatment facilities. The systems were installed in the early 1990s and have reached the end of useful life, and critical infrastructure in the systems are failing.
Replacing the systems will prevent greater concentrations of iron, manganese and sulfur that could create public health risks in communities served by the systems.
“The Altoona Water Authority has been struggling to maintain this aging equipment for the past few years because the units and components are no longer manufactured,” Ward said. “This funding will ensure drinking water systems in these communities will continue to be safe and reliable for years to come.”
“I’m thankful the worthiness of these projects is being recognized for a low-interest loan. Projects like these will ensure generations to come can access clean water in their day-to-day lives,” Gregory said.
The funding was awarded through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), which was created by lawmakers in 1988 to provide financial assistance to support community sewer, storm water and drinking water projects.
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner (717) 787-5490