(HARRISBURG) – The Duncansville Water Authority, Blair County, will receive $1.25 million in PENNVEST funds to upgrade its sewer, state Senator Judy Ward (R-30) announced today.
“The ratepayers of this small sewer system could not afford these upgrades that will ensure the system is functioning safely without the help of the PENNVEST program,” Senator Ward said. “Sewer system repairs are cost prohibitive especially when the authority has to spread the enormous price tag of system improvements over such a small rate base.”
The authority will use the funds to make upgrades to is sludge dewatering system.
Established in 1988, the PENNVEST program provides low-interest loans and grants to communities for new construction or improvements to water and wastewater treatment plants. Many of these small community water and sewer systems are in need of major rehabilitation or are too overburdened to accommodate new growth.
PENNVEST is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth. Financing is provided through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state as well as proceeds from Act 13 of 2012, the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee.
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner