Thousands of Erie residents will benefit from major water infrastructure upgrades thanks to a new state grant announced Wednesday.
Senator Dan Laughlin announced that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has awarded $10 million to the Erie City Water Authority to replace approximately 1,250 aging water service connections throughout the city. The funding is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
The money will support the sixth phase of the authority’s customer-side galvanized service line replacement program. The project will focus on replacing private-side galvanized service lines that were once connected to water mains containing lead goosenecks or other lead components.
While public-side lead components have already been removed, the remaining galvanized lines still pose concerns because of potential lead exposure and deterioration.
Around 1,138 of the affected connections serve residential customers, while the rest serve commercial and industrial properties. The project will also include excavation, backfilling and restoration work.
Laughlin said the investment will help improve public health, strengthen water service reliability and reduce the financial burden on customers who would otherwise face the cost of replacing aging infrastructure.
Construction is expected to begin in April 2027 and continue through November 2029.