Mercer County Projects Receive $12.3 Million in Grants

Water, sewer projects receive H20 PA funding

Five Mercer County projects will receive a total of $12,326,522 in funding from the highly competitive H2O PA grant program, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

"Certainly, reliable and safe water and sewer systems are essential for healthy communities, but they can be costly, particularly when it comes to maintenance and improvements," Senator Robbins said. "All told the Commonwealth Financing Authority received more than 700 applications, totaling $2.6 billion, for the $800 million available in H2O PA funding. Mercer County was extremely fortunate to receive more than $12.3 million in grants from this program."

The City of Sharon Sanitary Authority received $9 million for the expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant and the construction of an additional interceptor and siphon barrel.

Jefferson Township received $1,688,760 for a sewerage facilities project, which will provide sewage service to eliminate malfunctioning on-lot systems. A survey was done with a 36 percent malfunction rate observed. Anything greater than 25 percent poses significant health and safety issues, which this project will eliminate. All the permits have been acquired and the construction has started.

The Hermitage Municipal Authority received $1 million for the upgrade of a regional wastewater treatment plant that will increase the capacity of the facility. One of the upgrades will be to the sludge processing system, which will be replaced with one that meets the needs of the 7.7 million gallon-per-day flow, as well as provide a system that will utilize the methane gas production to fuel an on-site generator and provide power to the treatment plant.

The Borough of Sharpsville received $461,245 for the replacement of a water line in the Borough.

Mercer Borough received $176,517 for sewer system improvements including the replacement of the heat exchanger, sludge pump, digester lid, chlorinator, emergency generator as well as the construction of a new building to house everything. Construction started in 2007 with some work already completed.

H2O PA was created under Act 63 of 2008 to fund water and sewer projects, as well as storm water projects, flood control projects, and high-hazard dam repairs. The funding is provided through an $800 million bond financed by five percent of gaming revenue deposited in the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund.

To be eligible for funding, a project must be owned by a municipality or authority, and must include local matching funds. The Commonwealth Financing Authority will evaluate applications, with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority providing technical review and assistance.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322