Indiana Co. Authority Receives $5.7 Million in State Funding

PENNVEST provides Grant and loan for Strongstown, Ernest Borough work

The Indiana County Municipal Services Authority (ICMSA) today (October 27) received approval for state funding totaling $5,775,182, according to state Senator Don White (R-41) and State Representatives Jeff Pyle (R-60) and Dave Reed (R-62).

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) approved a $4,385,244 low-interest loan and a $1,389,938 grant to ICMSA, according to Senator White, a member of the PENNVEST Board.

ICMSA will apply the financing toward the construction of 60,000 feet of water line, a new 300,000 gallon water storage tank, meters and fire hydrants to serve 209 existing homes in the Strongstown area of Pine Township. The money will also be used for 4,300 feet of new water line and a new system interconnection for the Ernest Borough system that is being acquired by the ICMSA.

"This PENNVEST financing will help the ICMSA address serious water quality issues facing residents of Strongstown and Ernest Borough areas," Senator White said. "The DEP has determined that half of the private wells in Strongstown have coliform contamination and the water line breaks involving Ernest Borough's aging water system have required residents to boil their water before using it. These water projects are essential and I was pleased to support the ICMSA's request when it came before the PENNVEST Board."

"This funding has significant short-term and long-term benefits," said Representative Reed. "Initially, this project will benefit the residents of the Strongstown area, particularly those households that currently experience significant problems with contaminated water wells. In the long-run, it is another incentive that can assist the region in its efforts to promote the Route 422 corridor for economic development."

"Providing safe and reliable water service to local residents must be one of the top infrastructure goals for our area," Representative Pyle said. "The ICMSA is taking on, and planning to upgrade, the existing water system serving the residents of Ernest Borough. This PENNVEST loan will provide the funding to bring these projects to fruition while hopefully reducing the financial burden that will be placed on ratepayers."

Contact:

Joe Pittman
(724) 357-0151, cell (724) 541-0552