Jul. 17, 2019
HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) today announced more than $19 million in funding is on its way to the Connellsville Municipal Authority for much-needed improvements.
The authority will receive a $14.9 million loan at an interest rate of 1%, as well as a $4.1 million grant, to help bring its operations into compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s long-term plan to eliminate combined sewer overflows. The funding was awarded by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
“This is a necessary investment in the health and safety of our community and its residents,” Warner said. “It is important to ensure our treatment systems have sufficient capacity to handle increased volumes of wastewater.”
Combined sewer systems are sewers that are designed to collect rainwater runoff, domestic sewage and industrial wastewater in the same pipe. Combined sewer systems transport all wastewater to a sewage treatment plant, where it is treated and then discharged. However, during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the wastewater volume in a combined sewer system can exceed the capacity of the sewer system or treatment plant. For this reason, combined sewer systems are designed to overflow occasionally and discharge excess wastewater directly to nearby streams, rivers or other bodies of water.
The PENNVEST funding will help the authority limit such overflows by expanding the capacity of its treatment plant from 3.24 million gallons per day to 4.4 million gallons per day, adding one new pump station, upgrading an existing pump station and installing new force-mains and interceptors.
Since its inception in 1988, PENNVEST has served communities and citizens by funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects across the Commonwealth. These projects not only contribute to improving Pennsylvania’s environment and the health of its people but also provide opportunities for economic growth and jobs for Pennsylvania workers.
Representative Ryan Warner
52nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
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