Wozniak Announces PENNVEST Loans for Two Municipalities

HARRISBURG, July 6 – Two local municipalities will receive more than $2.38 million in grants and low-interest loans from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for the completion of water and sewer projects, state Sen. John N. Wozniak announced today.

          The loans were approved during today’s PENNVEST board.

          “Economic development and environmental stewardship don’t have to be mutually exclusive; they can work together for the benefit of our communities,” said Wozniak (D-Cambria/ Clinton/ Centre/ Clearfield/ Somerset). “PENNVEST makes it possible for municipalities to improve water and sewer services, which helps to make our neighborhoods better places to live and work.”

          As part of the current round of PENNVEST loan and grant initiatives, the borough of Chester Hill, in Philipsburg, will receive a $790,929 grant and $1,209,071 loan to replace 25,000 linear feet of sewer line with new pipe, to replace 85 manholes and to conduct individual lateral replacements.

          Interest rates for the 20-year loan are set at 1 percent. Construction is expected to begin in August 2005, with an anticipated completion date of June 2006.    

          The Northern Cambria Municipal Authority also will receive a $382,000 PENNVEST loan to install a new 72-foot fiberglass roof cover over the Authority’s existing 500,000-gallon reservoir and an existing access road. The previous roof collapsed due to deterioration and excess snow.

          Interest rates for the 20-year loan are set at 1 percent. Construction began in mid-July, with an anticipated completion date of September 2005.

          The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) provides low-cost financial assistance for communities seeking to improve environmental conditions and safeguard the health of residents. PENNVEST also works with businesses seeking to relocate and expand operations in Pennsylvania, helping to generate substantial, permanent employment opportunities.