The Duncansville Water Authority in Blair County, will receive $1.25 million in PENNVEST funds to upgrade its sewer. State Senator Judy Ward made that announcement on Wednesday, saying the ratepayers of the small sewer system could not afford the upgrades that will ensure the system is functioning safely without the help of the PENNVEST program. The authority will use the funds to make upgrades to is sludge dewatering system.
Established in 1988, the PENNVEST program provides low-interest loans and grants to communities for new construction or improvements to water and wastewater treatment plants. PENNVEST is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget. Financing is provided through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state as well as proceeds from the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee.