HARRISBURG – Two state grants totaling $3.9 million were awarded to two local projects in Luzerne County, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Rep. Alec Ryncavage (R-119).
“The substantial money coming through these two grants is a crucial investment in public health, environmental protection and job creation capacity. This lessens costs for local taxpayers, helps boost compliance with clean water requirements and paves the way for construction projects and jobs,” Baker said. “In terms of community progress, water and sewer systems are as essential to safety and opportunity as our more visible roads and bridges. Community leaders and local officials once again did a good job in documenting problems and assembling these applications.”
“The nearly $4 million investment will enhance our infrastructure, ensuring the well-being of our communities by providing essential upgrades and protecting ratepayers’ pockets,” Ryncavage said.
The Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (WVSA) is receiving $3,500,000 of COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA funds to install three pump stations and associated force mains in Hanover Township.
“This grant will go a long way towards the financing of this vitally important infrastructure project for the entire southwestern portion of the WVSA’s service area,” Andy Reilly said, WVSA’s chief executive officer.
The H2O PA program provides for single-year and multi-year grants for the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer projects; the construction or renovation of flood control projects; and the repair or rehabilitation of high-hazard unsafe dams.
Hanover Township is also receiving $421,934 in COVID-19 ARPA PA Small Water and Sewer funds for the rehabilitation of the Soloman Creek Sanitary Interceptor.
“Hanover Township is very appreciative for the award to rehabilitate the Solomon’s Creek Interceptor. This important infrastructure project serves Hanover Township, Ashley Borough and Wilkes-Barre Township,” Sam Guesto said, manager of Hanover Township. “With the line serving thousands of residences and hundreds of businesses, including those near the Mohegan Sun Arena, this project will help to ensure wastewater is transported in an environmentally safe manner to the treatment plant and allows additional economic development to continue in these critical areas of our region.”
The SWS Program provides grants for small water, sewer, and storm water infrastructure projects. Municipalities and municipal authorities that own and maintain a public water supply, sanitary sewer or storm water system are eligible to apply if their projects exceed a total cost of $30,000.