Allegheny County – January 12, 2023 – Today, State Senator Wayne Fontana announced over $21 million in PENNVEST grants for the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) and the West View Water Authority (WVWA). Both PWSA and WVWA received grants to replace lead service lines within their water systems.
“I’m proud to see a continued investment in Allegheny County’s water systems from PENNVEST,” said Senator Fontana. “One of the most common ways lead contaminates our water is through old and corroded lead pipes. Taking care of this infrastructure now ensures our region will continue to have clean and safe drinking water.”
PWSA was awarded $13,354,750 to implement the 2023 Neighborhood Lead Service Line Replacement program. Ultimately, their goal is to remove all lead service lines by 2026.
WVWA was awarded $8,000,000 to remove lead pipes in approximately 750 water services. It’s estimated that much of the infrastructure that will be replaced is over 75 years old.
Sen. Fontana has secured $117.5 million in the last five years for clean drinking water and lead pipe replacement projects in the 42nd Senatorial District.
Sen. Fontana’s legislation, passed by the General Assembly in 2017, allows local municipal authorities to access state funding for sewer and waterline repairs. Act 44 of 2017, which included the language from his Senate Bill 656, provides communities more options and flexibility to fund these kinds of water infrastructure projects, while saving local taxpayer dollars.
PENNVEST serves communities and citizens of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, storm water, and drinking water projects. More information is available on the PENNVEST website: https://www.pennvest.pa.gov.