State receives $240 million for drinking water systems; New Kensington and others plan to tap funds

The EPA is awarding Pennsylvania more than $240 million for drinking water systems, and some local water authorities are expected to tap the funds.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan released details Thursday calling on governors to prioritize water system funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The legislation will release $50 billion to the EPA to strengthen the nation’s drinking water and wastewater systems. Regan said it’s the federal government’s single largest investment in water ever.

The money will target disadvantaged communities, seeking rapid progress on lead-free drinking water for all and combating chemical contaminants.

Local water authorities are expected to use the federal funding for an array of projects.

“We knew there was money for water in the infrastructure bill, and that made us very happy,” said James Matta, manager of the New Kensington water authority.

The authority serves 15,000 customers in New Kensington, Arnold, Lower Burrell, Allegheny Township, Upper Burrell and part of Washington Township.

“When we receive grant money to improve infrastructure, we don’t have to pass the costs on to our customers,” he said.

Matta plans to apply for grants to replace water mains, install generators at booster stations for power outages and improve items in the treatment system.

“I expect older towns with older water systems, likely with lead pipes, will take advantage of the grants,” he said.

Although the details haven’t been announced, Matta said the state Department of Environmental Protection typically prioritizes and awards these types of grants.

The authority will replace the lead lines in its system and laterals lines in New Kensington and Arnold under a $1.7 million grant from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. That project will begin in early 2022 and will be complete by the end of the year, Matta said.