MUSTO ANNOUNCES OVER $2 MILLION IN PENNVEST FUNDING

          HARRISBURG – May 24 – State Sen. Ray Musto announced today that over $2 million in low-interest loans have been approved for three clean water projects in Luzerne County.

          “This funding will help the community make improvements to its water systems,” Musto said.  “This, in turn, will help attract more businesses to the area and more families to the community.”

          Musto added that the loans were approved following today’s board meeting of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). Musto is a member of the PENNVEST Board.

          Under the funding, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. will receive a $1,395,800 low-interest loan to replace 7,000 feet of undersized water mains along Lake Valley Drive, install twelve pressure-reducing valve stations, and install 423,000 gallon and 130,000 gallon water storage tanks.

          Musto said the project will protect the public health of the communities by eliminating the frequent main breaks and reduced pressure, which could cause back-siphonage.

          Bear Creek Village Borough will use a $199,000 low-interest loan to install approximately 1,700 feet of 18”, 24”, and 30” storm sewer pipe, 19 catch basin inlets, and one outlet headwall.  The new storm drainage system will extend from Hillcrest Road to PA Route 115.

          Musto added that the project will eliminate a chronic safety hazard caused by repeated flooding and icing conditions along the roadway.  It will also prevent future flooding of nearby properties by installing a storm drainage system where none exists currently.

          A low-interest loan of $427,900 was awarded to the Greater Hazleton Community Area New Development Organization (CANDO), Inc. for the 3,200 feet extension of water main to serve a portion of the Humboldt Industrial Park at the intersection of Interstate 81 and Route 924 in Hazel Township, Luzerne County.

          The extension is a major part of a $6,600,000 investment by CANDO to develop about 30 acres of the Humboldt Industrial Park and it is expected to support 200 jobs.