Pennsylvania American Water has secured a substantial financial boost, totaling $64,396,571 in grants and low-interest loans from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). This funding is aimed at enhancing water infrastructure through four significant projects across Butler, Columbia, Fayette, and Monroe counties.
Tony Nokovich, the Vice President of Engineering at Pennsylvania American Water, expressed gratitude to PENNVEST for backing their initiatives. “At Pennsylvania American Water, we strive to provide our customers with high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services while also meeting environmental standards and state and federal regulations. These projects will have a positive impact on the service provided for our customers by enabling us to continue our efforts to improve water infrastructure across the state,” Nokovich stated.
In Butler County, the Butler water system will benefit from an $28,500,000 loan designated for a filter improvement project at the Oneida Valley Water Treatment Plant. This enhancement aims to boost the plant’s reliable capacity and includes essential upgrades such as new flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration systems, ensuring that the facility can effectively handle peak demand. The loan is offered at an interest rate of 1.743% for the initial five years, followed by 2.179% for the remainder of the 20-year term.
Fayette County’s City of Uniontown and the surrounding townships will see the replacement of approximately 389 lead water service lines, funded by a PENNVEST grant of $2,988,661 and a loan of $2,411,339. The removal of these lead components will significantly enhance water quality for local customers and aligns with broader efforts to eliminate lead-containing infrastructure from public water systems.
In Columbia County, a planned PFAS remediation project within the Berwick District is set to receive an $1,087,628 grant paired with a loan of $24,362,372. This project involves constructing a new PFAS treatment facility, which will include advanced mechanisms such as granular activated carbon vessels for efficient pollution removal. Improvements to the existing operations will also enhance the site’s reliability and flood protection measures. The terms for this loan are structured at 1% for the first five years and 1.743% for the subsequent 20 years.
Monroe County will benefit from a $562,432 grant and a $4,484,136 loan aimed at developing PFAS and manganese treatment facilities at the Pocono Pine Hill Well Station. This project encompasses the demolition of the old well house and construction of a new treatment facility equipped to effectively filter out PFAS and other contaminants like iron and manganese.
Governor Josh Shapiro highlighted the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Every Pennsylvanian has a constitutional right to clean air and pure water — and my Administration is investing historic resources to make sure that right is protected all across our Commonwealth.” He also emphasized that PENNVEST-funded projects not only modernize water systems, but also promote public health and economic growth, showcasing a commitment to a cleaner and safer environment for all residents of Pennsylvania.
This infusion of funding not only aims to improve water quality but also showcases a collaborative effort between various levels of government to secure a sustainable and resilient future for Pennsylvania’s communities.