Highridge Authority Receives $2.78 Million in State Grants

Funds to Rehabilitate the Sugar Run Dam, Extend Water Service

The Highridge Water Authority will receive $2.78 million in state grants, according to state Senator Don White (R-41) and state Representatives Dave Reed (R-62) and Jeff Pyle (R-60).

The Authority received a $2.7 million grant for the replacement of the Sugar Run Dam in St. Clair Township. The grant was part of $57.4 million distributed for 17 "high hazard" dam projects and five flood control projects funded under the H2O PA program.

The Sugar Run Dam was built in 1909 by Pennsylvania Railroad Company to supply water for steam engines. The existing earthen embankment structure, which holds 130 million gallons, will be stabilized and an additional emergency spillway constructed.

Reconstruction of the dam will enable Highridge to continue its growth as a regional water supplier. Construction will begin this fall with completion scheduled for late Spring of 2010.

"The Sugar Run Dam and reservoir is not only a vital source for drinking water, but a valuable natural resource as well," Senator White said. "This grant will enable the Highridge Water Authority to address structural deficiencies and protect this resource for the future."

The Authority also received an $81,000 grant from the Department of Environmental Protection to extend water service into Brush Valley and Center townships. The funding will be used to extend municipal water service to eligible homes located along Route 56 Highway East in the two townships. The funding is for homes with wells that have been damaged due to abandoned mines.

The project is expected to begin later this month and be completed in December.

"This funding is essential to extend the reach of local municipal water services," Representative Reed said. "More families will have access to clean, municipal drinking water as a result of this grant. This is an investment in the infrastructure of our area and the people who depend on it."

"For years, many residents of Brush Valley have struggled with an unreliable source of water," Representative Pyle said. "I am pleased DEP has become a partner in building a public water system that will not only provide a reliable source of drinking water for hundreds of residents, but also increase the value of property and development opportunities in the area."

The water service was previously approved to receive more than $7 million in Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) loan funding and more than $600,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding from Indiana County. Senator White serves as a member of the PENNVEST board.

Contact:

Joe Pittman
(724) 357-0151, cell (724) 541-0552
George Sulkosky
(724) 459-8033