HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said that the state Department of Environmental Protection has approved an $81,325 grant for a water-line project along Dillon Road in Beccaria Township.
“The grant to the Beccaria-Coalport-Irvona Municipal Authority is a textbook example of state and local governments working together to benefit citizens,” George said. “More households suffering from poor water quality and quantity will be helped through the cooperation of the authority and the DEP, its Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation and PENNVEST.”
George said PENNVEST — the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority — approved in July 2004 a $293,000, low-interest loan to the authority for construction of 13,600 feet of water lines and connections to 28 homes in the Utahville area of Beccaria Township. The project also was supported by an Abandoned Mine Reclamation Grant and a Community Development Block Grant.
“The project, now almost completed, was able to be enlarged to include 11 more homes because of the good work by the authority, its engineer, volunteers and the cooperation among the various local and state governments,” George said. “Water supplies fouled by acid mine drainage are being replaced and fire protection is being boosted dramatically through this project.”