HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said that construction of a long-sought water line in Graham Township should begin shortly with approval of a formal funding agreement.
“I was informed that PENNVEST signed off (Friday) on the funding arrangement,” said George, a Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority charter member. “I’m told the contractor is poised to begin building the water lines, which will serve 32 households along Pinchy, Palestine and Schoonover roads.”
The financing includes a $170,699 loan at 1 percent interest for 20 years through money made available through the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s State Revolving Fund Program. A $124,301 grant made possible through Growing Greener II also was approved.
George said the funding package has been supplemented with Community Development Block Grant funds through the county commissioners and a state grant through the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Most of the wells along the roads have been harmed by acid-mine drainage and suffer from periodic shortages as well as chemical and bacterial contamination.
Pennvest estimated that the township will save $13,148 annually — or $262, 954 over the life of the loan – through the financing assistance.