Gordner Says Area Sewer and Water Systems Will Be Improved

(HARRISBURG) - - The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) today approved $490 million in sewer and water system upgrades, including in excess of $26 million for systems in the 27th Senatorial District, according to Senator John R. Gordner (R-27).

"The Commonwealth Financing Authority uses a strict rating system for this competitive funding, and the awards will help communities comply with new Chesapeake Bay requirements, address environmental concerns and answer governmental mandates," said Senator Gordner. "I commend the successful area communities for putting together good plans, many on a regional basis, that qualified for this important funding."

Senator Gordner said this is the first round of funding for sewer and water projects under the CFA and there will be additional funding opportunities this fall. $800 million is available through the H2O program for water and sewer projects, flood control projects and unsafe dam removal.

Awards by the CFA today include:

$5 million for the Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority as part of a $46 million upgrade for the regional system.
$5 million for Danville Borough as part of a $36 million dollar project to separate sewer and waste water systems, allowing for regional expansion.
$5 million for the Milton Regional Sewer Authority for a $34 million project to upgrade the current treatment facility using new technology.
$5 million for the Berwick Area Joint Sewer Authority for a $21 million project to separate sanitary and storm water systems.
$4.7 million for Conyngham Township, Columbia County for construction of a new $9.4 million sewage system.
$300,000 for the Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority as part of a $1.2 million project to update the system to eliminate failures.
$132,500 for the Millersburg Area Authority as part of a $2.6 million project for wastewater treatment modifications.
$237,437 for the Sunbury Municipal Authority for a $3.5 million project to install water meters. Additionally, the Authority received a $196,805 grant for a $2.9 million project to separate storm water from waste water in a more effective manner.
$793,161 for the Bloomsburg Municipal Authority for a $26 million project to upgrade the waste water treatment system.
$592,313 for Riverside Borough for an $888,500 project to upgrade the waste water treatment system.

"All of these projects involve significant local investments to protect our environment and water resources, and to help restore the Chesapeake Bay," said Sen. Gordner. "I was very pleased to support and advocate on behalf of these important projects."

The Commonwealth Financing Authority is a seven-member board created to administer and fund economic development projects through bonding and gaming revenues.