Bizzarro: $38M in loans, grant funding approved for Erie, Millcreek water projects
State to help Erie Water Works replace lead pipes, improve fire protection
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro October 18, 2023 | 2:02 PM
ERIE, Oct. 18 – Ongoing improvements to the drinking water system in Erie and surrounding area are getting another boost thanks to a combined $38 million in low-interest loans and grant funding through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) Representative Ryan Bizzarro announced today.
“We all enjoy turning on the tap without ever having to worry about the quality of our drinking water,” said Bizzarro. “Erie Water Works continues to upgrade their system so that clean water keeps flowing and this low interest loan means they can do it while keeping rates as low as possible.”
Erie City Water Authority – received a $14,091,416 grant and a $3,908,584 low-interest loan to replace approximately 2,500 service connections consisting of cast iron pipe attached to water mains by lead goosenecks. Erie City Water Authority also received a $20 million loan for a five-phase system upgrade project. Erie City Water Authority will use the combined $38 million in funding for a series of projects that include:
-
The grant and $3.9 million loan will be used for the replacement of approximately 2,500 lead connecting pipes, some of the last lead pipes of their kind in the system.
-
The $20 million loan will be used for the replacement of the Asbury Tank Pump Station, originally built in 1970. The station no longer meets local or state codes, and the equipment inside is at the end of its useful life. A new pump station will be built on the same site, and will allow for additional capacity to supply customers in Millcreek, McKean and Fairview Townships.
-
The $20 million loan will also be used for the construction of a storage tank in Millcreek Township to deal with inadequate water levels during periods of high demand, including building fires when hydrants are needed.
-
The $20 million loan will also be used for the replacement of 20,400 feet of water lines, some of which are over 100 years old, and adding additional fire hydrants.
Erie Water Works services nearly 32,000 households within the city of Erie, along with providing additional service to surrounding municipalities. Pennvest specializes in funding sewer, storm water, and drinking water projects across Pennsylvania. Pennvest’s low cost financial assistance helps make the water that is consumed every day by thousands of Pennsylvanians safe to drink.