Danville and Riverside boroughs are set to receive nearly $18 million in state funding for wastewater infrastructure projects
The $18 million is part of a $274 million total that the state will invest into 30 drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and non-point source projects across 22 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). State Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver and state Rep. Michael Stender announced the Danville-area municipalities’ share of the funding on Wednesday.
The Danville Municipal Authority will receive more than $16.8 million for several projects within the borough, including replacement of the authority’s digester mixing equipment; construction of a new dewatering building and installation of new dewatering equipment; reconstruction of the Fisher Court pump station and rerouting of wastewater to a new gravity sewer on Franklin Street; replacement of 10 manholes, installation of three new ones and laying of approximately 3,300 feet of new sewer line, according to a news release.
“This project will address safety concerns around the structural viability of the existing pump station, increase reliability and efficiency, and provide the station with adequate equipment storage,” a release from the governor’s office said.
The $16.8 million consists of a $10.4 million loan and $6.4 million in funding that will not have to be repaid as part of a principal forgiveness package, the news release said.
One million dollars given to Riverside Borough will go toward decommissioning several problematic residential septic tanks causing groundwater and surface water contamination. The wastewater in these areas will be rerouted to the existing collection system and new, larger sewer lines will be installed, according to the release.
Culver said she was pleased to see the funding returning to her communities and supporting important projects.
“This is an example of the state partnering with local governments to deliver essential services to our communities,” Culver said. “Water and wastewater systems need to be maintained and improved, and the commonwealth is providing the financial resources to sustain these local assets.”
Stender said he was glad to see the funding go toward essential services.
“Supporting the funding of these two wastewater construction projects demonstrates the commitment to modernizing infrastructure and ensuring the efficient operations of essential systems,” Stender said. “This funding allocation will graciously help enhance our public services and sustainable development for our community. I’m grateful to have worked with Sen. Culver and ensure this funding comes back home.”
The statewide $274 million investment supports both public health and environmental efforts, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro.
“My administration is focused on protecting public health and the environment across the commonwealth — and these investments will help to uphold Pennsylvanians’ constitutional right to clean air and pure water,” Shapiro said. “Thanks to our federal partners in the Biden administration and the hard work of PENNVEST, $12 billion has been invested to safeguard our clean water infrastructure and the health and safety of Pennsylvanians, and we’ll continue to drive this funding out to ensure Pennsylvanians have safe, clean water.”