HARRISBURG – Several clean water projects in Cambria, Centre and Clearfield counties will receive more than $13 million in low-interest state loans, according to State Sen. John N. Wozniak (D-Johnstown).
“These projects are critical to the safety of our citizens and the efficiency of our water and sewer systems. They also add a small boost to economic development and job creation in the area,” Wozniak said. “I am pleased to announce this very important funding.”
The funding was approved during a board meeting of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) earlier this week.
Under this round of PENNVEST funding, the city of Johnstown will receive a $10.9 million state loan for Phase I of the Roxbury Sanitary/Storm Sewer Separation Project. As Johnstown’s sewage collection system experiences wet weather overflows, discharging untreated sewage into Stony Creek, this project will construct sanitary sewer, sanitary sewer lining and storm sewers in the Roxbury area of the city.
Elsewhere in Cambria County, Cresson Township Municipal Authority will receive $1.3 million in state loans for water system improvements. The improvements include construction of a new 295,000 gallon water storage tank and pump station, 2,819 linear feet of water line, along with system-wide monitoring. This is intended to address the control and oversight issues the authority is having due to the current location on the storage tank. The project will also increase fire protection, reduce water loss and leakage and eliminate existing water system pressure problems.
In Centre and Clearfield counties, The Moshannon Valley Joint Sewer Authority will receive $1.4 million in state loans for a regional upgrade of the Water Pollution Control Facility. The aging infrastructure of the authority’s existing wastewater treatment is not compliant with the Chesapeake Bay Initiative’s nutrient discharge limits. This project will improve efficiency, reliability and sustainability while reducing energy consumption.
The GEO Group Inc. plans to invest $4.5 million at the site and create 12 new jobs over the next three years.