Ciresi announces $3.7 million grant to replace Pottstown lead service lines
Rep. Joseph Ciresi October 21, 2021 | 8:39 AM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority has approved a $3.71 million grant to fund the Pottstown Borough Authority’s 2021 Lead Service Replacement Project. The project will replace lead lines in older homes, eliminating exposure to lead materials.
“I am very glad that PENNVEST has made this investment in the future of Pottstown Borough as this funding will ensure that my constituents will have a modern and safe infrastructure for years to come for something as fundamental as drinking water,” Ciresi said. “This work to eliminate lead and other harmful contaminants from drinking water is crucial to the health and well-being of our residents, children, and future generations.”
The funds will be used to fund a project to replace approximately 8,400 linear feet of lead service lines and 700 linear feet of water service curb stops throughout Pottstown Borough. The authority has already contracted work in 2019 and 2021 to replace some of the existing lead service lines throughout the borough to provide safe drinking water to the residents of the area. The 2021 Lead Service Replacement Project will complete this effort in the remaining sections of the borough that are designated as being in critical condition.
“This grant provides the funds necessary to continue the efforts of the Pottstown Borough Authority to replace legacy infrastructure,” said Pottstown Borough Manager Justin Keller. “Many thanks are extended to Representatives Joe Ciresi and Tim Hennessey, as well as Senator Bob Mensch, for helping to bring this much-needed funding and support for the health and well-being of our borough of Pottstown community.”
“The investments made today in our clean water systems and community infrastructure continue to underscore the work that remains to eradicate legacy contaminants like lead and other harmful chemicals,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “Our children and future generations of Pennsylvanians depend on our efforts to ensure clean, safe drinking water. They deserve better. I’m proud to demonstrate our continued commitment to the environment and our communities.”
The funding award to the Pottstown Borough Authority was part of a $186 million investment announced by PENNVEST for 33 drinking water, wastewater, and nonpoint source projects to remove lead exposure across 20 counties. 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.
Residents with questions about the project can contact Ciresi’s office at 484-200-8265 or https://pahouse.com/Ciresi/Contact.