17736_Authority_August

Shapiro Administration Invests Over $6.5 Million to Improve Safety of Water and Sewage Systems in Blair, Elk, and Somerset Counties Harrisburg, PA (June 26, 2024) Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger today announced more than $6.5 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to ensure safe water and sewage systems in Blair, Elk and Somerset coun Ɵ es. The Shapiro Administra Ɵ on knows that DCED programs like CDBG are essen Ɵ al to strengthening our communi Ɵ es, improving the quality of life for residents, and boos Ɵ ng Pennsylvania’s economy. “The Shapiro Administra Ɵ on is focused on suppor Ɵ ng communi Ɵ es all across the Commonwealth by making meaningful investments to ensure Pennsylvanians have access to safe water and sewage systems,” said Secretary Siger. “Safe, healthy communi Ɵ es improve the quality of life for Pennsylvanians, and in turn can a Ʃ ract new businesses and jobs which help them prosper. CDBG grants are vital in making that happen – and this funding will help Blair, Elk, and Somerset coun Ɵ es ensure their residents have clean water and safe sewage systems.” Blair County Blair County was awarded $3,805,316 for the Blair Township Reservoir Road Sanitary Sewer Extension project. The Blair Township Water and Sewer Authority will extend public sanitary sewer service to residences in the Reservoir Road area. The project will be divided into three separate gravity collec Ɵ on basins, with each having its own pump sta Ɵ on and sec Ɵ on of force main. In total, 220 new customers will be connected to the new municipal wastewater system. Elk County Elk County was awarded $2,016,452 for the Horton Township Whetstone Waterline Project. The Brockway Borough Municipal Authority (BBMA) plans to construct a new eight-inch watermain loop to bypass the exis Ɵ ng and an Ɵ quated water line located on Keystone Road and a por Ɵ on of Coder Road in Brockport. The current water line is extremely old, undersized, and deteriora Ɵ ng. This bypass will improve e ffi ciency and eliminate contamina Ɵ on. Three fire hydrants will also be installed to improve fire protec Ɵ on capabili Ɵ es in the area. In total, 69 residents will be served through the project. Somerset County Somerset County was awarded $755,000 to upgrade the storm sewer system along Allegheny Street in Boswell. This project will help eliminate numerous flooding issues to several buildings and proper Ɵ es within the borough. A total of 750 residents will be served through this project. “Community Development Block Grants are vital to the ongoing revitaliza Ɵ on of our Commonwealth’s communi Ɵ es,” said John S. Brenner, Execu Ɵ ve Director, Pennsylvania Municipal League. “We applaud Governor Josh Shapiro for making this important investment in sewer and water projects that remain a top priority for our residents.” “Community Development Block Grants are valuable partnerships in helping communiƟes fund essenƟal water and wastewater improvements,” said Douglas Bilheimer, ExecuƟve Director, Pennsylvania Municipal AuthoriƟes AssociaƟon. “CDBG and other financing iniƟaƟves help authoriƟes maintain safe, regulatory compliant systems for Pennsylvania ciƟzens.” “The Pennsylvania State Associa Ɵ on of Boroughs fully supports programs that provide funding resources to improve water and sewer systems,” said Chris Cap, Execu Ɵ ve Director, Pennsylvania State Associa Ɵ on of Boroughs. “We must con Ɵ nue to improve the quality of life of Pennsylvania residents across all communi Ɵ es. We commend the e ff orts of Secretary Siger and DCED for their con Ɵ nued excep Ɵ onal e ff orts to partner with boroughs across this great Commonwealth.” CDGB funds strengthen Pennsylvania communi Ɵ es by assis Ɵ ng with housing improvements, building suitable living environments, expanding economic opportuni Ɵ es geared to low- and moderate-income individuals, and improving cri Ɵ cal community health and welfare infrastructure. For more informa Ɵ on about the Community Development Block Grant program or the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the agency’s website, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.  CongratulaƟons to the PMAA members highlighted in bold.