Harrisburg – March 29, 2017 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today announced a total of $810,800 in state grants for four area infrastructure improvement projects.
“These state funds help local communities expedite improvement projects on water and wastewater systems,” Fontana said. “I will continue to seek state support to help our region upgrade its aging water infrastructure.”
The grants include:
- $150,000 for a water line replacement project in Reserve Township. Old and leaking pipes will be replaced on both Allen and Irwin Drives. Workers will also be installing five fire hydrants to improve fire protection in those residential areas;
- $300,000 for the Main Street/Seventh Street storm sewer separation project in Sharpsburg Borough. The current system is hydraulically overloaded. The impact of the Ravine Street stream has cause back-ups, discharge issues and property damage;
- $150,000 to replace 1,600 linear feet of sewer line to reduce inflow and infiltration on Stowe Avenue in Stowe Township; and
- $210,800 to the West View Water Authority to replace the Thompson Avenue water line extensions that run under the railroad tracks. The project would eliminate the need for three of the lines that run under the tracks. It will also increase flows and provide better protection.
Fontana recently reintroduced legislation that would allow local governments to help citizens fund sewer and water line repairs when public health or safety are at risk. His legislation would give municipalities the option of using government resources to help citizens repair or replace sewer laterals and waterlines in limited situations where there is a significant public benefit.”
The state Commonwealth Financing Authority grants were approved today by the agency’s board. The program was established in 1994 to administer state stimulus investment programs.
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