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Pennsylvania Awarded $17.8 Million More For Communities to Protect Drinking Water

Release Date: 6/12/2000
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Pennsylvania $17.8 million to protect and improve drinking water supplies.

“This program helps Pennsylvania communities provide safe drinking water. Citizens want to know that they are receiving a clean, safe drinking water and this loan program is another way to help meet that need,@ said Bradley Campbell, EPA’s mid-Atlantic regional administrator.

The funds are for loans to local drinking water systems, ensuring that Pennsylvania’s drinking water supplies remain safe and affordable, and that drinking water systems are properly operated and properly maintained. The loan program is administered by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). Projects are chosen based on environmental and technical merit.

This federal grant supports the state’s drinking water revolving fund. The fund is replenished as communities repay old loans, providing a continuing supply of money for new loans. Reporters inquiring about loans for specific communities should call Brion Johnson at PENNVEST at (717) 783-6798. In the three years of this grant program, EPA has provided $99 million. With the addition of these funds, the total federal contribution is now $116 million.

Examples of local drinking water improvements include:

* upgrading treatment plants to meet health standards;

* extending service to customers relying on inadequate individual systems;

* eliminating leaks and inadequate pressure by replacing distribution systems; and

* consolidating systems that fail to meet basic health standards.

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