FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Rick Mirabito D-Lycoming www.pahouse.com/Mirabito

State loans will move local sewage projects forward

Mirabito says low-interest Pennvest loans will protect water, create jobs

HARRISBURG, July 21 – State Rep. Rick Mirabito, D-Lycoming, announced the Williamsport Sanitary Authority and Duboistown Borough have been approved for low-interest Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority loans to improve their sewage systems.

"These projects will ensure safe water for local residents, protect the environment and create jobs," said Mirabito, D-Lycoming. "We appreciate the financing assistance from Pennvest."

Williamsport Sanitary Authority has been approved for a $4.471 million Pennvest loan to bring the facility in compliance with the state's Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Reduction Strategy. The system serves as the regional treatment facility for Williamsport and seven surrounding communities.

The project, which is expected to create 20 jobs, involves improvements at the West Plant, including:

· New internal mixed liquor recycle pumping station.

· Valve vaults and force main at the existing aeration basins.

· Modifications to existing Tank 1 of each biological treatment train, including modification of aeration and mixing systems, to create anoxic and swing zones.

· Adjustment of weir heights.

Duboistown Borough has been approved for a $2.679 million Pennvest loan to address discharges of untreated sewage into the surrounding area and Mosquito Creek.

The project, which is expected to create 15 jobs, involves:

· Construction of a one-million gallon equalization tank.

· Automated control values to route sewage based on current hydraulic loading.

· Modifications to the Valley Street Pumping Station.

· 2,750 linear feet of new force main.

Pennvest was created by the General Assembly in 1988 under the late Gov. Robert Casey. It offers low-cost loans and grants to communities throughout Pennsylvania to fund sewer, storm water and drinking water maintenance and improvement projects. More information is available at www.pennvest.state.pa.us.

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