PAWC receives PENNVEST funds for lead pipeline removal projects in Fayette County
Several grants and low-interest loans totalling more than more than $64 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority program were awarded to several projects across the state, including in Fayette County.
The state announced last week that Pennsylvania American Water was awarded several of the PENNVEST grants and loans for various upgrades the water company is planning in four counties.
In Fayette County, the state awarded a grant of $2.98 million and a 1% loan for $2.4 million that will help to fund the replacement of nearly 400 lead water service lines in Uniontown and North Union and South Union townships. According to the water company, the removal of all leaded components will offer water quality improvements to customers and builds on the work to eliminate lead-containing lines from the public water supply system.
“We’re thankful to PENNVEST for approving our funding requests and supporting us in that mission,” Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Engineering Tony Nokovich said in a written statement. “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.”
The company said more information about the Fayette County project and details about its lead replacement initiative can be found online at www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com/leadfacts, which includes an interactive map of all the projects in Pennsylvania.
The other projects receiving PENNVEST funds include a $28.5 million loan for upgrades to Pennsylvania American Water’s Oneida Valley Water Treatment Plant in Butler County; a grant of more than $1 million and a loan for $24.3 million to build a new PFAS treatment facility and complete other system improvements at the company’s Berwick District in Columbia County; and a $562,432 grant and a $4.48 million loan for upgrades to the Pocono Pine Hill Well Station in Monroe County.
In a statement last week announcing the PENNVEST loans and grants, Gov. Josh Shapiro said “every Pennsylvanian has a constitutional right to clean air and pure water,” and he hoped the upgrades would improve water quality for those residents.
“PENNVEST-funded projects help communities modernize their water systems, protect public health and create jobs,” Shapiro said.