Harrisburg – October 19, 2016 – More than $8 million has been approved to build a new sewage treatment plant in West Elizabeth, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
“The financing package approved today is good news because a significant portion of the funding is a grant that does not have to be repaid,” Brewster said. “A new sewage treatment plant was a necessity, given the age of the facility.”
Brewster said the funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The financing package ratified today included a $3.9 million grant and a $4.9 million loan. The funding was discussed at a meeting today in Harrisburg.
The lawmaker said the financing will specifically be used to construct a three-tank batch treatment unit with the existing plant adapted for sludge processing.
“In order to spur development and create jobs there must be infrastructure that supports commercial and residential customers,” Brewster said. “The new treatment facility in West Elizabeth is the type of significant upgrade that positions the borough for growth and redevelopment.”
There was a need to replace the existing sewage treatment plant, Brewster maintained. The system was overloaded in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2011. The project is intended to eliminate sewage overflows into the Monongahela River during periods of wet weather.
The current treatment plant in West Elizabeth is 46 years old and has become obsolete.
PENNVEST is a state authority created in 1988 to improve water quality by providing grants and low interest loans for water and wastewater improvement projects.
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