HARRISBURG – State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced that a $9 million investment in Lycoming County will address existing water infrastructure needs and improve the health and welfare of area residents.
As part of the current round of PENNVEST loan and grant initiatives, the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority will receive a $9 million low-interest loan for costs associated with the construction of a new pump station in South Williamsport, 500,000 gallon finished water storage tank, approximately four miles of new water main, as well as valves, hydrants and other associated water appurtenances. A second project will replace a water main in Loyalsock Township that is experiencing a high rate of leakage and continuous water main breaks.
“The PENNVEST loan approved today will aid the Authority in eliminating any potential health hazards associated with the contamination of drinking water as the result of continuous main repairs and low water pressure,” Yaw said. “This project will benefit all customers using the system including those large customers like Beiter’s Home Center and Little League International Headquarters in South Williamsport. Further, once completed, the increased water flow will also enhance fire protection services in the event of an emergency,” Yaw added.
“The Williamsport Municipal Water Authority is greatly appreciative of the investments that PENNVEST provides Authorities across the state,” said William Nichols, Chairman of the Authority. “The funding provided to Williamsport will be used to improve fire flows and reliability of the water distribution system across our service area, most notably in South Williamsport and the Little League International complex. This project would not be possible without funding assistance, and PENNVEST low-interest loans provide our customer base with the best possible value.”
Twenty construction jobs are expected to be created as a result of the loan disbursement, with an anticipated completion date of December 31, 2015.
PENNVEST provides financial assistance to communities throughout Pennsylvania seeking to improve environmental conditions and safeguard the health of residents.
More state information is available on Senator Yaw’s website, www.SenatorGeneYaw.com, on Facebook and @SenatorGeneYaw on Twitter.
CONTACT:
Rita Zielonis
717-787-3280