HARRISBURG –State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and State Rep. Clint Owlett (R-68) today announced a $1,024,000 state investment allocated to the Wellsboro Municipal Authority through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for upgrades to the Borough of Wellsboro’s wastewater system.
The funding awarded today will be used for the rehabilitation and conversion of the wastewater treatment plant’s existing chlorine tank to an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection channel, as well as the installation of new UV disinfection equipment. The funding will also provide for improvements to the structure that houses the treatment facility, including a new roof, stairs, and handrailing.
“As we look at the aging infrastructure of many of our local communities, it has never been more important to support their efforts to improve water quality through upgraded systems,” Sen. Yaw said. “Ensuring our communities are equipped to properly handle wastewater is good for our citizens and good for our environment and I was pleased to support this important investment.”
“Investing in our wastewater infrastructure is important for supporting public health and safety, but it also plays a key role in creating the quality of life we need to grow opportunities in our communities,” Rep. Owlett said. “I was pleased to support this funding, which allows for the project to proceed without over-burdening the municipal authority’s customers.”
Yaw and Owlett noted the existing system serves nearly 1,500 households in the Borough and funding for these upgrades will help curb future rate increases for consumers.
“The Wellsboro Municipal Authority is much appreciative of the continued support of the Borough of Wellsboro,” Louis Rachiele, Wellsboro Borough Manager, said. “This award will allow the Borough to continue to make needed improvements to necessary infrastructure that not only serves the Borough but surrounding communities as well.”
In addition to the grant, PENNVEST also approved a $108,100 loan for the same project.
PENNVEST was established by Act 16 of 1988 and is an independent agency of the Commonwealth providing financial assistance to fund construction of drinking water, sewer, and storm water projects in communities throughout Pennsylvania.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com and Representative Owlett’s website at www.RepOwlett.com.
CONTACT
Elizabeth Weitzel (Sen. Yaw)
717-787-3280
Patricia Hippler (Rep. Owlett)
717-772-9846