Conklin: $2.4M in state funding to help replace State College stormwater infrastructure

STATE COLLEGE, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today approximately $2.4 million in state funding to replace the aging stormwater system along Calder Way in State College.

Conklin said the $2.44 million low-interest loan will allow the State College Borough to replace pipes that compromise the outdated infrastructure, which is currently preventing stormwater from properly entering the wastewater collection system – leading to unsafe inflow and infiltration issues.

“In its current state, this infrastructure could lead to a dangerous sinkhole developing at any time,” Conklin said. “Upgrading it will also improve the quality of the water that deposits into the Spring Creek Watershed.”

With the loan provided by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, commonly known as Pennvest, the State College Borough plans to begin work on the project on May 1, with an anticipated completion date in September. Approximately 1,320 feet of stormwater piping and other components will be replaced, allowing the system’s drainage area to work properly.

The interest rate for the first five years of the 20-year loan is 1.74%, and 2.18% after that.

Pennvest funds sewer, stormwater, and drinking water improvement projects throughout the commonwealth via low-cost funds and grants. In addition to safeguarding the health of Pennsylvania residents, these projects improve the environment and provide opportunities for economic growth and employment.