Indiana Co. Projects Receive $11 Million in State Funding

PENNVEST provides money for County, Highridge authorities

Two major Indiana County projects today (October 27) received approval for state funding totaling nearly $11 million, according to state Senator Don White (R-41) and state Representatives Jeff Pyle, (R-60) and Dave Reed (R-62).

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) approved $7,043,900 in financing for the Highridge Water Authority and $3,952,496 for the Indiana County Municipal Services Authority, according to Senator White, a member of the PENNVEST Board.

The Highridge Water Authority will use a low-interest loan from PENNVEST to cover the costs of construction for a 520,000 gallon water storage tank and pump station, along with approximately 138,750 feet of water lines to serve the Brush Valley area of Brush Valley, Buffington and Center townships.

"I am very pleased that PENNVEST awarded this low-interest loan to help correct a serious water shortage problem caused by past mining activity in the area," Senator White said. "There are also significant problems with the current quality of the well water as studies have shown significant concentrations of iron, magnesium and aluminum, as well as the presence of E coli."

"In addition to correcting public health concerns in Brush Valley, this upgrade of the water system will also improve public safety in the community as well by ensuring that sufficient water and water pressure will be available to firefighters during an emergency situation," said state Representative Pyle.

The Indiana County Municipal Services Authority will use its low-interest loan to install 54,255 feet of water lines, new meters and fire hydrants to serve 263 homes in Armstrong, Center, Rayne and White townships.

"This will take care of a problem in the township that is being watched by the state Department of Environmental Protection," said Senator White. "The DEP indicated that more than 52 percent of the wells in that area have deficient water quality, including the presence of E Coli and coliform bacteria. In fact, the Marion Center Elementary School in Rayne Township has had to bring in water during outages that lasted longer than 72 hours during the school year."

"The new water lines are essential to provide safe and reliable service to local residents," Representative Reed said. "Many of those households are currently experiencing significant problems with contaminated or low-yielding private water wells. The PENNVEST loan provides the funding to make this project a reality while hopefully reducing the financial burden that will be placed on ratepayers."

Contact:

Noel Burch
(717) 787-8724