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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jewell Williams
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Williams announces water treatment plant improvements, upgrades
HARRISBURG, April 20 – State Rep. Jewell Williams, D-Phila., announced that Philadelphia will receive a nearly $43 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, also known as Pennvest, to finance the repairs and upgrading of three water treatment plants in his legislative district.
"The current treatment plants have reached the end of their usable life, and that is impacting both the quality of treatment and efficiency at the three water treatment plants," Williams said. "Making sure that something as essential to life as water is clean and harmless is a top priority. This loan will ensure that Philadelphians in my district have access to safe drinking water." The project will improve water quality, enhance security at the facilities and increase the plants' energy efficiency. Williams said the project is comprised of 16 sub-projects totaling 19 individual contracts, and is expected to provide 670 construction jobs. An independent agency of the Commonwealth, Pennvest funds sewer, storm water and drinking water projects statewide through federal grants and loans to improve the environment and public health. Projects funded by Pennvest also improve opportunities for economic growth and create jobs for Pennsylvania's workers.