HOLLIDAYSBURG – State Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and Representative Lou Schmitt (R-79) today announced $7.5 million in state funding has been awarded for a waterline replacement project in Altoona.
The project will replace 15,000 feet of cast-iron waterline along Logan Boulevard installed in the mid 1950s. The waterline is approaching its serviceable lifetime of approximately 70 years. The pipeline is prone to breaking and leaking, resulting in service outages and water losses. The Altoona Water Authority’s average unaccounted-for water loss was 35% in the 2019 reporting year.
“This is an example of state government working with local partners to deliver clean drinking water to residents,” Ward said. “The expense to replace this infrastructure can be costly, which is why programs like these are so important. They allow critical infrastructure repairs to be made without increasing the tax burden on local residents.”
The project is expected to be completed prior to PennDOT’s spring or summer 2025 planned roadway improvements in order to save on paving costs. The money will be provided through a low-interest loan. The 30-year loan has a 1% interest rate.
“Improving infrastructure in Altoona is a wise use of this funding and I applaud the PENNVEST Board for recognizing the importance of this project,” Schmitt said. “To save taxpayers money, the project is to be completed ahead of a planned paving project.”
The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). PENNVEST is an independent agency of the Commonwealth providing low-cost financial assistance to fund construction of drinking water, sewer and stormwater projects in communities throughout Pennsylvania.
Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and Twitter @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.
Media Contact:
Nathan Akers (Ward)
717-787-2421
Greg Gross (Schmitt)
717-260-6374