Pennsylvania announces over $27 million for stormwater projects

Five state projects have received the support, with Philadelphia receiving over $20 million of the total funds. The announcement arrives as part of a wider water infrastructure fund of $97 million.
July 26, 2021
3 min read
Photo by Gibson Hurst™ on Unsplash
Cityscape of Philadelphia, which received the vast majority of stormwater project funding in this announcement.
Cityscape of Philadelphia, which received the vast majority of stormwater project funding in this announcement.

Pennsylvania officials today announced over $27 million in assorted grants for stormwater management and runoff treatment projects. Five state projects have received the support, with Philadelphia receiving over $20 million of the total funds.

The announcement arrives as part of a wider water infrastructure fund of $97 million. The rest of the wider investment focuses on lead pipe replacement and water treatment through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNvest).

“Historic investments in clean water infrastructure like the ones made today continue to underscore our commitment to safe and reliable infrastructure for our communities,” said Gov. Wolf. “Clean, lead-free drinking water and reliable wastewater and stormwater systems are the bedrock of vibrant civic centers and are essential to ushering in much-needed growth across the Commonwealth.”

The funding for these projects originates from a combination of state funds approved by voters, Growing Greener, Marcellus Legacy funds, federal grants to PENNVEST from the Environmental Protection Agency, and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards. Funds for these projects are disbursed after expenses for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST for review.

A list of project summaries follows:

  • The Lackawanna River Basin Sewer Authority received a $2,326,900 loan to eliminate a combined sewer overflow point and construct 6,500 feet of gravity interceptor sewer.  The project will reduce pollution in a high-quality, cold-water fishery and eliminate exposure to untreated sewage by improved conveyance and re-direction of all flows.
  • The Municipality of Bethel Park received a $1,052,679 loan to construct a 900-foot swale to intercept surface runoff and install 1,250 feet of storm sewer pipe.  The project will reduce flooding occurrences in residential areas and improve water quality of receiving streams by removing sediment.
  • The Lancaster County Conservation District received a $515,813 grant to construct a waste storage structure and associated piping on a dairy farm in Bart Township, while also addressing stream runoff from agricultural traffic.  The project will reduce manure and stormwater runoff into the Meetinghouse Creek, which is a tributary of the Octoraro Creek.
  • Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority received a $2,795,652 loan to restore 600 feet of streambank, while adding a quarter-acre rain garden and retrofitting existing stormwater basins.  The project will eliminate 193,024 pounds of sediment, 3,809 pounds of nitrogen, and 401 pounds of phosphorus annually.
  • The city of Philadelphia received a $20,960,000 loan to demolish and rehabilitate selective portions of the Feeder Gate House and Canal Intake Channel Wall along the Manayunk Canal, providing major upgrades to the stormwater collection and conveyance systems.  The project will address discharges of stagnant canal water, eliminating pathogens, organics, and other contaminants from entering the Philadelphia water treatment system.

SOURCE: Pennsylvania Pressroom

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