Pa. awards nearly $9.5 million for water and sewer projects in Berks

Dec. 20—Nearly two dozen Berks County water and sewer projects have received a big funding boost.

Several state lawmakers who represent the county announced Tuesday that the state has awarded 23 municipalities and local authorities nearly $9.5 million in grants to complete infrastructure projects through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to ensure communities have access to reliable and clean drinking water.

"We are fortunate to have a long list of important projects receiving badly needed grant funding," Sen. Judy Schwank said. "State and local governments must work hand-in-hand to make sure the water infrastructure Pennsylvanians rely on remains in good working order.

The Ruscombmanor Township Democrat said she was happy to do her part to secure the funding. She added that she intends to continue to work with local government officials to ensure they have what they need to meet the needs of their shared constituents.

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick said the state grants will be put to good use.

"These projects will ensure that critical points of infrastructure receive maintenance required to continue serving residents across the region," the Montgomery County Republican said.

Rep. Mark Rozzi agreed.

"Grants like these that modernize essential infrastructure go to work for every resident, as they ensure the functionality of communities," the Muhlenberg Township Democrat said. "From ensuring a clean and reliable water supply to enhancing wastewater treatment capabilities, these investments not only safeguard public health but also lay the foundation for sustainable growth."

His colleague, Rep. Johanny Cepeda Freytiz, said she appreciates the significant funding awarded to the communities she serves.

"These grants will be used to improve infrastructure, purchase necessary equipment, and provide safety upgrades," the Reading Democrat said.

The projects are funded through the H2O PA and the PA Small Water and Sewer programs, which are approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

The H2O PA program provides for 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.

The following are recipients of that program:

—Alsace Township was awarded $300,000 to expand the Route 12 South sewer.

—Amity Township will receive $1.75 million to assist with constructing expansions to its wastewater treatment plant.

—The Antietam Valley Municipal Authority will receive $750,000 to upgrade the St. Lawrence wastewater treatment plant.

—The Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority will get $750,000 to replace the existing Spook Lane Water Storage Tank in Lower Alsace Township.

—The New Morgan Utilities Authority was awarded $500,000 to replace a water tank.

—The Reading Area Water Authority will receive $750,000 to install a pumping station at the Hegel Gehl Reservoir in Muhlenberg Township.

—Spring Township will receive $250,000 to replace the gravity sanitary sewer main within Highland Avenue, Intervilla Avenue, Noble Street, Reading Avenue, Morwood Avenue and Park Road.

—Wyomissing will get $700,346 to demolish an existing pump station and construct a new pipe and manhole system.

The PA Small Water and Sewer program provides grants for small water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure projects.

The following are recipients of that program:

—The Berks-Montgomery Municipal Authority was awarded $276,617 for a sanitary sewer rehabilitation at two locations in Colebrookdale Township and Douglass Township in Montgomery County.

—The Bern Township Municipal Authority will receive $178,793 for improvements to the pump station on Leiscz's Bridge Road.

—The Birdsboro Municipal Authority will get $213,703 for improvements to the pump station on Cocalico Road.

—The Caernarvon Township Municipal Sewer Authority will receive $449,604 to clean and repair its sewer collection system.

—Cumru Township will get $350,494 to replace a deteriorated storm sewer line at Montrose Boulevard.

—Kutztown will receive $135,001 to replace storm pipe and storm inlets along Main Street.

—The Robeson Township Municipal Authority will get $285,685 to make improvements to its sewage treatment plant.

—The Robesonia Municipal Authority will receive $169,826 to replace an interceptor line.

—The Shillington Municipal Authority was awarded $339,999 to install and replace valves.

—Sinking Spring will get $362,404 to install a treatment plant filtration system.

—Spring Township will receive $421,260 for a sludge press replacement.

—Topton will get $185,000 to replace a water main on East Barkley Street.

—The Union Township Municipal Authority of Berks County will receive $144,733 to replace its water meter and upgrade its meter reading system.

—West Reading will get $269,520 to replace the water line in the 500 block of Spruce Street.

—The Womelsdorf Sewer Authority will receive $76,336 to rehabilitate its water tank.