On Friday, Mechanicsburg, Pa.-based Pennsylvania American Water announced that it had been awarded to low-interest loans to finance two water main extension projects in Washington County.
The projects, totaling more $15.5 million, will expand the company’s service to nearly 60 homes, a public school district and a fire department, officials said. The loans are part of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
“We’re thankful to PENNVEST for approving our loan request, as this financing will enable us to extend water mains to residents now living without adequate access to public water service,” Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Engineering Bruce Aiton said. “At Pennsylvania American Water, we strive to provide our customers with high-quality, reliable water service, and these PENNVEST-supported projects will enable us to achieve that goal in new communities that can truly benefit.”
One of the PENNVEST loans, for $10.4 million, will fund the installation of 6.5 miles of new water main along Avella Road to extend water service into Cross Creek, Independence and Mount Pleasant, as well as the Avella Area School District, providing service opportunities for roughly 35 new customers, and increasing the water pressure for Avella Fire Department’s fire protection capabilities. The second loan, for $5.1 million, will be used to install three miles of new water main to extend water service to Robinson and Smith townships, providing water service to customers currently relying on private well water.
“The Shapiro Administration strives to safeguard every Pennsylvanian’s right to the basic necessity of clean water. Ensuring the reliability of our water infrastructure is critical for the health of our communities. Now is the time to address clean water infrastructure,” PENNVEST Chairman Dr. Brian Regli in the Commonwealth’s official announcement said. “Through the support of federal funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this is a once in a generational opportunity to access funding for projects throughout Pennsylvania.”