GOVERNOR SIGNS MUSTO’S CLEAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE BILL

HARRISBURG, July 9 – Gov. Ed Rendell today enacted state Senator Raphael J. Musto’s legislation calling for a voter referendum on a $400 million bond for construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of Pennsylvania’s drinking water supplies and sewage treatment systems.

            “With this new law (Senate Bill 1341) we are providing a great opportunity for citizens to make a substantive new investment in our clean water infrastructure,” Musto said. 

If voters approve the ballot initiative and authorize the funding, the bond money will be administered through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).  Financial assistance would be in the form of grants and low-interest loans.  

“The grants and low-interest loans that would be available through this legislation will provide badly needed financial assistance to communities throughout Pennsylvania who are struggling to maintain aging water and sewer systems,” Musto said.

The Governor also signed Senate Bill 2, which provides $800 million to fund repairs and upgrades to drinking and waste water systems, flood control projects and unsafe high-hazard dams. The program will be funded through gaming proceeds.