McNeill: $5.7 million for water tank improvements in Whitehall Township

WHITEHALL, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill announced $5.7 million in state funding will help repair an existing 2-million-gallon water storage tank and construct a new 3-million-gallon water storage tank.

“These improvements will help ensure that our water distribution systems are modernized and safe,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “This funding will accomplish these goals at no additional cost to the taxpayers.”

The Northampton Borough Municipal Authority says the interior and exterior of the existing, prestressed concrete 2-million-gallon water tank, which was built in the 1970s, is aging and in need of rehabilitation. Improvements to the tank will include exterior and interior cleaning and painting, mixer installation, vent replacement, and other ancillary repairs that are necessary after inspection. Also, approximately 200 to 250 feet of 16-inch/20-inch diameter piping will also be installed to enhance the authority’s ability to operate and maintain the system and increase the reliability of service.

Additionally, a new 3-million-gallon prestressed concrete storage tank will be constructed for distribution storage, which will allow the authority to continue to meet demands for domestic, commercial and fire-flow needs.

The project is expected to begin on Feb. 15 and be completed in May 2024.

A low-interest loan will cover the project cost. The 20-year loan will carry a 1% interest rate for the first 5 years and then increase to 1.743% for the remaining 15 years. It will provide the grant-equivalent of almost $1.9 million over the life of the loan.

Pennvest specializes in funding sewer, storm water, and drinking water projects across Pennsylvania. Pennvest’s low-cost financial assistance helps make the water that is consumed every day by thousands of Pennsylvanians safe to drink.