Schuylkill State Lawmakers Announce Nearly $14 Million in Pennvest Funding

HARRISBURG, July 21 – Schuylkill County's state legislators announced today that seven water and sewer projects in the county have received nearly $14 million in Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority funding. The projects are expected to create an estimated 230 construction related jobs, according to Pennvest.

"This is good news on a few fronts," said state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, a Democrat whose 123rd legislative district received nearly $12 million. "These projects protect our water supplies and the environment. They also create jobs for people during these tough times."

In state Rep. Tim Seip's district, Pine Grove borough received $2.026 million for a water project.

"The Pine Grove borough project is a good example of the worthwhile efforts of Pennvest – the project will make sure that residents and the knitting mill, the borough's largest employer, will have enough water supply," said Seip, D-Schuylkill/Berks. The project will prevent water losses from the water mains that range from 23 to 50 percent. I will continue working to help local communities receive their fair share of state resources."

The county's Republican state lawmakers -- state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29th, and state Rep. Jerry Knowles – said they are pleased that Schuylkill County was able to benefit from the program.

"Water quality and quantity issues have heightened the need for many of our local municipalities to replace aging water and sewer systems, Argall said. "I am pleased that Schuylkill County has secured more than $14 million for these upgrades."

"I realize these are difficult times, but even during difficult times good water and adequate sewage systems are necessary for people to live a quality lifestyle," said Knowles, R-124th District.

The following projects will receive funding:

$7.02 million to the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority to repair the Mt. Laurel, Kaufmann, Pine Run and Indian Run dams. The dams are listed as high-hazard unsafe dams, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. The 20-year loan carries a 1.274 interest rate for the first five years and 2.547 percent for the rest of the loan. The authority earlier received $11.84 million from the Commonwealth Financing Authority's H20 PA grant program.
$2.27 million to Minersville Sewer Authority to upgrade its collection system. Pennvest is providing financing in the form of loan forgiveness, and the principal will not have to be repaid.
$2.026 million to Pine Grove borough to repair 11 wells, replace 5,000 feet of water line and replace residential and commercial meters. The 20-year loan carries a 1.274 interest rate for the first five years and 2.547 percent for the rest of the loan.
$940,349 to Frackville Area Municipal Authority to improve the biosolids handling process at its treatment plant. The 20-year loan carries a 1.274 interest rate for the first five years and 2.547 percent for the rest of the loan.
$833,333 to Mahanoy Township Authority to fix an earthen embankment and outlet works at Lofty Dam. The 20-year loan carries a 1 percent interest rate.
$646,650 to Ashland Area Municipal Authority to make Ashland Dam meet DEP spillway requirements. The 20-year loan carries a 1.274 interest rate for the first five years and 2.547 percent for the rest of the loan.
$210,918 to the Mahanoy City Municipal Authority to install a new pump. The 20-year loan carries a 1.274 interest rate for the first five years and 2.547 percent for the rest of the loan.

Pennvest, an independent agency, was established in 1988 by the General Assembly. It receives state and federal funding to provide assistance to the owners and operators of substandard and deteriorated water and sewer systems throughout the state.