PENNVEST Funding Approved for the Borough of Edgeworth, Says Gaydos

October 20, 2021

HARRISBURG – An application requesting funds to update and replace 75 existing, lead-containing water service lines, in both the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Edgeworth and residential portions was approved today by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), said Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny).

The project was approved for a $250,905 low-interest loan and a $394,095 grant to replace aged, lead water lines to reduce water loss and potential lead exposure to the system’s users. This is an existing system and serves 2,150 residential customers. The system is eligible for the lead line principal forgiveness as provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and accepted by the board. User fees are not expected to increase.

“Lead has been detected throughout the service lines in the water system in the Borough of Edgeworth, which could potentially contribute to lead being detected in the system’s drinking water,” said Gaydos. “Safe drinking water is important for public health whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production or recreational purposes. Improved water supply can boost a communities’ economic growth and can contribute greatly to poverty reduction.

“I am very happy that our facility qualified for the funding so we can ensure that the plant is operating properly and efficiently. Without the PENNVEST grant, user fees would be expected to increase by 2%.”

PENNVEST funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, federal grants to PENNVEST from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards. Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST.

Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
rleiner@pahousegop.com
RepGaydos.com / Facebook.com/RepGaydos