



MCKEESPORT, August 2, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster is opposing the Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) request to raise local water rates by 13 percent. He is urging local citizens to speak out on the issue at a local hearing in Dravosburg next week.
The Public Input Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 10 at 6 p.m. in the Dravosburg Borough Building, 226 Maple Avenue, Dravosburg, PA 15034.
In a June 2 letter, Brewster urged the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to reject the rate request. He argued that many residents from Dravosburg and Liberty are on low or fixed incomes and cannot afford a water rate hike at this time. PAWC has requested hiking its annual rates for the two communities from $581.40 to $658.44 (13.3 percent).
Under law, the PAWC must obtain Public Utility Commission (PUC) approval to increase water rates. At his request, Brewster said the PUC has agreed to schedule this hearing to gather public input on the rate hike request. A final decision on the rate hike request must be made by January 28, 2012.
“This is your opportunity to speak out and let your voice be heard,” Brewster said. “I think it is important that the public provide the PUC with a very strong and clear message on this proposed rate hike and how it would impact families.”
Brewster urged residents to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, sign up if they wish to testify, and bring an extra copy of any written statement to submit for the record. If you have questions about the hearings or how to testify, contact the Office of Consumer Advocate toll-free at 1-800-684-6560 or by e-mail at .
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One Monroeville Center
3824 Northern Pike, Suite 1015
Monroeville, PA 15146
Phone: 412.380.2242
Fax: 412.380.2249
*Every Monday and Tuesday
9:00 a.m. − 4:30 p.m.
Allegheny Twp. Municipal Building
136 Community Building Road
Leechburg, PA 15656
201 Lysle Boulevard
Suite 100
McKeesport, PA 15132
Phone: 412.664.5200
Fax: 412.664.5202
*Every Wednesday and Thursday
8:30 a.m. − 4:00 p.m.
Vandergrift Municipal Building
109 Grant Avenue
Vandergrift, PA 15690
New Kensington City Hall
301 11th Street, Suite L
New Kensington, PA 15068
Phone: 724.334.1143
Fax: 724.334.1152
*2nd Tuesday of every month
9:00 a.m. − 12:00 p.m.
Forward Twp. Municipal Building
1000 Golden Circle
Elizabeth, PA 15037
458 Main Capitol Building
Senate Box 203045
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 717.787.5580
Fax: 717.772.3588
*1st Wednesday of every month
1:00 p.m. − 4:00 p.m.
Human Services Center Corp.
413 Penn Avenue Ext.
Turtle Creek, PA 15145