Several Berks County communities are getting a financial boost from the state to ensure a stable and reliable water supply is available for its residents.
The Womelsdorf-Robesonia Joint Authority — which serves customers in Womelsdorf and Robesonia as well as in Heidelberg and Marion townships — has received a nearly $1.2 million low-interest loan for upgrades to the Furnace Creek water tank.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Wednesday the loan was made possible through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. PENNVEST awards loans to government agencies to replace lead service lines, rehabilitate aging systems, upgrade treatment capabilities and reduce environmental contaminants.
“PENNVEST is helping communities across the commonwealth make these critical upgrades so more Pennsylvanians have clean, safe, reliable drinking water when they turn on the tap,” Shapiro said in the announcement.
The release stated that the Womelsdorf-Robesonia Joint Authority will use the funds to clean and recoat the interior and exterior of the Furnace Creek tank as well as replace the existing roof vent, mesh screen and tank ladders. In addition, new safety cable climb systems and a new shell manway will be installed.
“Rehabilitation of this finished water storage tank will reduce the potential of a health hazard that could result from a leaking storage structure and ensure reliable water service to the area,” the release stated.
State Sen. Chris Gebhard, a Lebanon County Republican who represents the communities served by the joint authority, applauded the announcement.
“Reliable water service is a critical piece of building strong, vibrant communities,” he said in the release. “Ensuring our infrastructure is operational is a key function of government, and I’m pleased this funding is dedicated to that purpose.”