The funding was awarded through Pennsylvania’s Small Water and Sewer Program and approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), an independent agency under the Department of Community and Economic Development.
State Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) joined several House and Senate colleagues in announcing grants that will support critical infrastructure improvements in western, southern, and central Schuylkill County, as well as parts of northern Berks County.
“Improved water infrastructure is very much needed in so many of our communities,” Argall said. “These highly competitive state funds are very important.”
Western Schuylkill County Projects
More than $780,000 was awarded for projects in western Schuylkill County through announcements by Argall and Rep. JoAnne Stehr (R-107):
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Hegins-Hubley Authority — $378,518 to upgrade the West Main Street and Good Spring Road water system
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Porter Township — $405,000 to replace the Joliett Street waterline
“These grants are an important tool for strengthening our communities,” Stehr said. “By supporting critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, we are helping ensure residents have safe, reliable systems that protect public health and improve quality of life.”
Southern Schuylkill County and Northern Berks Projects
More than $1.2 million was awarded to projects in southern Schuylkill County and northern Berks County, announced by Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124), Argall, and Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48):
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Orwigsburg Borough — $207,369 to replace the influent screen at the borough’s wastewater treatment plant
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Plum Creek Municipal Authority — $317,000 to replace a portion of the water main on Mustang Cove and Wynonah Drive in South Manheim Township
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Maxatawny Township Municipal Authority — $389,160 to repair a water storage tank
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Tilden Township — $150,000 to rehabilitate a water storage tank
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Windsor Township — $150,000 to control stormwater runoff around Mountain Road
“Water and sewer upgrades are some of the most urgent and important projects done at the municipal level,” Barton said. “This work is immensely important to the safety and security of our communities.”
Gebhard added that the funding helps reduce the financial burden on municipalities. “Water and sewer projects often carry significant costs, and this funding will help offset expenses tied to these necessary improvements,” he said.
Additional Schuylkill County Projects
An additional $500,000 was awarded to municipalities within Schuylkill County, announced by Rep. Dane Watro (R-116) and Argall:
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Mahanoy Township Authority — $89,250 to replace outdated controllers for the water filtration system at the existing treatment plant
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Mahanoy City Sewer Authority — $198,334 to replace five aeration blowers and upgrade equipment at the wastewater treatment plant
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Ringtown Municipal Authority — $212,416 to make improvements to its wastewater treatment plant
“Investing in our water and wastewater infrastructure isn’t just about pipes and pumps,” Watro said. “It’s about public health, economic vitality, and long-term sustainability for our communities.”
About the Program
The PA Small Water and Sewer Program provides grants to municipalities and municipal authorities for water, sewer, stormwater, and flood control projects. The program is designed to support necessary infrastructure upgrades while helping communities manage the high costs associated with these improvements.
All grants were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority as part of Pennsylvania’s ongoing investment in community infrastructure and economic development.