HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro, on Wednesday, unveiled a sweeping $274 million investment aimed at enhancing water quality across Pennsylvania. This financial commitment, funneled through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), targets 30 critical projects spanning 22 counties. The initiative is set to address a spectrum of needs from replacing hazardous pipes to extending clean water services to broader communities, marking a significant stride in the state’s infrastructure overhaul.
Central to this initiative are efforts to eliminate lead and corrosive pipes, rehabilitate dated systems, and bolster service capabilities. Additionally, the plan includes measures to mitigate environmental pollutants and streamline compliance with stringent regulatory standards. Agricultural practices, too, will see an improvement through the adoption of Best Management Practices (BMP’s), further underscoring the comprehensive nature of this investment.
Governor Shapiro’s announcement echoes his administration’s enduring commitment to safeguarding public health and preserving the environment. “These investments will help to uphold Pennsylvanians’ constitutional right to clean air and pure water,” Shapiro remarked, aligning these efforts with broader environmental and health objectives. This endeavor, supported by the Biden Administration and fueled by federal and state funding sources, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) stimulus funds, signifies a collaborative push towards enhancing the state’s water infrastructure.
The funding pool is drawn from a diverse array of sources—state allocations sanctioned by voters, Growing Greener funds, Marcellus Legacy funds, and significant federal contributions under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments. This multifaceted financial framework underscores a robust strategy to address Pennsylvania’s pressing water-quality challenges head-on.
PENNVEST Chairman Dr. Brian Regli highlighted the Authority’s long-standing dedication to clean water provision, noting the progress achieved over thirty-six years in supporting community growth, revitalizing aging locales, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. With PENNVEST’s investments crossing the $12 billion mark, this latest funding round represents both a milestone and a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of its residents.
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