Knox, Hawthorn Projects Receive $12 Million in PENNVEST Funding

Dave Cyphert

Dave Cyphert

Published April 23, 2015 4:45 am
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KNOX BOROUGH, Pa (EYT) — Knox Borough will receive nearly $8 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), according to Representative Donna Oberlander and Senator Scott Hutchinson.

The borough was awarded a $7,891,800 grant for its sewage treatment plant project.

The work will replace the existing 260,000 gallon-per-day plant with a 502,000 gallon-per-day facility.

The project is expected to begin in September and last about one year.

“This is certainly welcome news for the Knox community,” said Representative Oberlander, who serves on the PENNVEST Board. “The existing wastewater treatment plant was built in the 1930s and last updated more than 40 years ago. It is seriously outdated and overloaded. I was pleased to support this application when it came before the board for consideration.”

“The new plant will improve the quality of life for the community and curb the contamination from the current system that is affecting Canoe Creek,” said Senator Hutchinson. “In addition, this grant will substantially ease the financial burden that would have otherwise fallen solely upon ratepayers.”

PENNVEST also awarded a $2,835,596 grant and $1,184,254 low-interest loan to the Hawthorn Redbank Municipal Authority for a major waterline replacement project.

The work, which is expected to run from September to April 2016, involves replacing 44,900 feet of waterlines, 345 service connections, water meters, valves and fire hydrants.

“This will replace old asbestos cement pipes that were installed in the 1960s,” said Senator Hutchinson. “These pipes are becoming brittle with age and are difficult to repair. They are prone to water breaks and cause serious service disruptions. The project will solve those problems and ensure customers have safe and reliable water service.”

PENNVEST awarded the funds at its April 22 regular board meeting.

PENNVEST financing is provided through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state.

It is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth.

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