Pennsylvania American Water has been awarded $6.2 million in state grants and low-interest loans, including for a project in Berks County.
The loans from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) will support infrastructure improvements projects in Berks and Cumberland counties, PA American said in a release.
“At Pennsylvania American Water, we strive to provide our customers with high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services while also meeting environmental standards and state and federal regulations,” said Tony Nokovich, Pennsylvania American Water vice president of engineering. “We’re thankful to PENNVEST for approving our funding requests and supporting us in that mission.”
In Berks, the company’s Exeter wastewater corrective action plan project received a $2.4 million loan.
The project includes sliplining more than 14,200 feet of water main and replacing about 1,200 feet of 8-inch main, which will reduce inflow and infiltration into the collection system.
The interest terms for the loan are 1% for the first five years and 1.743% for the remainder of the 20-year loan.
A PENNVEST grant of $122,000 and loan of $3.6 million will fund the replacement of about 384 identified lead water service lines in New Cumberland, Cumberland County.
The removal of all leaded components will provide direct water quality improvements to customers and is consistent with regulatory and company initiatives to eliminate lead-containing lines from the public water supply system, PA American said.
The interest terms for the loan are 1% for the full 248-month loan period.
“Every Pennsylvanian has a constitutional right to clean drinking water — and my administration is focused on making sure that right is protected all across our commonwealth,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said in the state’s announcement. “Historic investments in clean water infrastructure like the ones made today will assist local communities replace lead service lines, upgrade water treatment plants, remove PFAS and much more to help.”