Burns announces $10.8 million for Lower Yoder Twp. sewerage project
65-year-old clay pipes to be replaced for 1,233 customers
Rep. Frank Burns October 19, 2016 | 11:14 AM
EBENSBURG, Oct. 19 – In a move designed to improve public and aquatic health, state Rep. Frank Burns has announced $10.8 million in state funding for a Lower Yoder Township sewerage project that will replace 58,000 feet of rickety 65-year-old clay pipe.
Burns said 1,233 customers and a population of 2,800, along with waterways St. Clair Run and the Conemaugh River, will see reduced wet-weather sewage overflows from work enabled by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority’s $6.39 million loan and $4.49 million grant.
"It’s extremely gratifying to see this nearly $11 million investment added to the more than $115 million I’ve helped deliver to the 72nd Legislative District over eight years," said Burns, D-Cambria. "I thank the Pennvest board for helping improve the quality of life in Lower Yoder Township and positioning it for the future growth that we all desire."
Burns said rehabilitation and replacement of archaic brick manholes is also part of the project, which includes replacement of sewerage line laterals to within 5 feet of a property if the owner signs an easement.
The need for a significant upgrade was detected, Burns said, after miniature closed-circuit television cameras inserted into the lines found many defects.
"It became quite apparent that these old clay lines were a problem in need of correction, unless we wanted more sewage overflows in wet weather," Burns said. "That’s never a good thing, for people or fish."
Burns added that the 30-year loan portion of the award carries a low 1-percent interest rate.