HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro this week revealed an ambitious plan to inject $194.3 million into revamping water infrastructure projects across 20 counties in the Keystone state. This comprehensive strategy facilitated by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) is set to transform the state’s water systems, including drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source systems.
The funding will be crucial in addressing various issues currently plaguing the state’s water infrastructure—replacing decaying lead pipes, giving a new lease of life to aging infrastructure, extending service to more communities, and flushing out environmental toxins. This investment comes from a blend of state funds, federal grants, and the recycling of loan repayments from previous PENNVEST awards.
Governor Shapiro’s commitment to ensuring universal access to clean drinking water across the Commonwealth is set to receive a substantial boost from this funding. By upgrading and modernizing water infrastructure, these projects are expected not only to safeguard public health, but also to champion the cause of environmental justice.
Among the recipients of this funding is Elizabethtown Borough, which stands to gain a $3.365 million loan earmarked for a floodplain restoration project at Hickory Lane Park. The project entails a painstaking restoration of about 2,860 feet of Conoy Creek by eliminating accumulated sediment and stabilizing the floodplain. The initiative is touted to significantly reduce sediment loading in the Conoy Creek Watershed resulting in improved aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Additionally, the Elam Beiler Dairy Farm in Lancaster County is slated to receive a $1,063,922 grant to augment agricultural practices and repair Coopers Run, a prized trout stocking stream. The grant will fund new infrastructure like a roofed heavy-use area, concrete entrance pad, waste storage facilities, and a timber roof structure. This will greatly amplify the farm’s manure storage capabilities and have positive repercussions on the Octoraro Creek, Susquehanna River, and Chesapeake Bay.
A $1,347,000 loan is also in the pipeline for Leon E. Groff, an agricultural outfit, earmarked for the construction of two new manure storage facilities. This project will staunch the direct flow of manure into Spring Run, thereby improving water quality and curtailing pollution.
These strategically targeted investments promise to not only modernize but also ‘futurize’ Pennsylvania’s water infrastructure. By driving efficient and effective operations, these investments are set to provide clean water for Pennsylvanians and contribute to a sustainable future.
Last but not the least, the investment showcases the Shapiro Administration’s resolve to safeguard public health and the environment. By improving access to clean water, these projects will serve communities across the Commonwealth and uphold the constitutional rights of its residents.
The proposed $194 million infrastructural investment is a significant stride towards ensuring universal access to clean and safe water for all Pennsylvanians. Balanced against immediate needs, the funding is also solidly poised to contribute to the long-term sustainability of Pennsylvania’s water infrastructure.
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