Indiana County Receives $1.8m in State Funding

New water service will help expand job opportunities

Indiana County will receive $1.8 million in state funding to expand water service in Burrell and West Wheatfield townships, according to state Senator Don White and state Representative Dave Reed.

The funding, provided by the Commonwealth Financing Authority's Water Supply and Wastewater Infrastructure Program (PENNWORKS), will accommodate economic growth along the Route 22 corridor, according to the legislators.

"The state is making a substantial investment in the Route 22 corridor," said Senator White. "This project, in conjunction with PENNDOT's ongoing work to upgrade the highway, will make the area a prime location for business growth and job creation."

"This expansion will address public health concerns for local residents and businesses and create exciting new opportunities for economic development and job growth," Representative Reed added.

The project spans Route 22 from the Mt. Tabor Road intersection to Chestnut Ridge Road and includes the construction of about eight miles of water line, a 500,000 gallon water storage tank and upgrades to an existing pump station.

"We are optimistic that the new water service will provide the necessary infrastructure to spark economic opportunities in the Allegheny Logistic Center and in other sites around the area as well, which in turn will lead to job creation opportunities," Senator White said.

This marks the second PENNWORKS grant for Indiana County in seven months. In June 2005, the Burrell Township (Indiana County) Sewer Authority received $1.05 million in funding to expand service into the Shearwood Terrace Area.

That project was expected to serve 55 residential properties and two businesses and facilitate the development of two properties (120 Airport Road and 70 Industrial Park Boulevard) as viable manufacturing and/or administrative office locations.