HARRISBURG – Sen. Judy Ward (R-30), Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-79), and Rep. Scott Barger (R-80) today announced the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved more than $12 million in low-interest loans for two vital water infrastructure improvement projects in Blair County.
“These investments will ensure that our community members are provided reliable and quality water to their homes and businesses, with infrastructure that will last for years to come,” said Ward. “The funding from PENNVEST allows these projects to take place, while also reducing the financial burden on the residents of these communities.”
The Altoona Water Authority will receive $9.75 million to upgrade the Kettle and Horseshoe Curve water treatment facilities. The project will replace aging treatment components at the facilities with new equipment that will reduce the potential of a health hazard or service interruption for community members. The funds will also be used to replace two bulk chemical storage tanks at the Horseshoe Curve water treatment facility, ensuring an adequate and reliable quantity and quality of water can be delivered.
“Ensuring residents have access to a reliable source of clean water is paramount,” Schmitt said. “This loan will further the mission by funding key updates to our drinking water infrastructure. I thank the PENNVEST board for recognizing the importance of this project.”
The Roaring Spring Municipal Authority will receive $2.325 million to replace deteriorating raw water and distribution pump stations with a single new pump station which will serve two purposes. The new pump station will withdraw raw water from the Roaring Spring Reservoir and provide distribution system pressure with a single set of pumps. New chlorination equipment will also be installed, and the system’s entry point will be relocated so that effective chlorine contact time is achieved.
“Roaring Spring gets its name from a powerful water source that produced 80 million gallons a day at its peak,” Barger said. “It is a community built around clean, well-managed water, and this project will preserve that legacy for future generations.”
The Altoona and Roaring Spring projects are consistent with state land use planning and farmland preservation efforts. The Roaring Spring project is scheduled to begin in November, with a projected start date in December for Altoona.
PENNVEST is an independent state agency that provides financial assistance for sewer, storm water and drinking water projects in communities across the commonwealth.
Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and X (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.
Ward contact: Nathan Akers
717-787-2421