PWSA receives $24 million state loan for sewer line repairs

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has been given a $24 million low-interest state loan for wastewater infrastructure repairs.

City officials announced the loan Monday. It’s part of a nearly $100 million Pennsylvania Investment Authority (PENNVEST) funding package for clean water infrastructure projects in 19 counties.

The PWSA will put the money toward repairing about 22 miles of sewer collection lines in Homewood, Squirrel Hill, Marshall-Shadeland, Spring Garden, Highland Park and Carrick. The project is designed to aid in the elimination of sewage overflows and reduce infiltration into the collection lines.

“We have inherited an infrastructure system that is aging and not equipped to handle the stresses our region has been experiencing,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. “This funding will allow the PWSA to continue their work of creating a safe, clean water system that works for our communities.”

The state funding will save customers about $16 million compared to traditional municipal financing, according to PWSA Executive Director Will Pickering.

“The intense and frequent storms we’ve experienced this summer have elevated the need to rehabilitate aging sewer lines throughout Pittsburgh,” he said.

The project is one of many wastewater and other clean, lead-free water infrastructure projects to receive funding.

Elsewhere in Allegheny County, the municipality of Bethel Park received a loan of over $1 million to build a 900-foot swale to intercept surface runoff and install 1,250 feet of storm sewer pipe.

The Coraopolis Water and Sewer Authority received a $1.1 million grant to remove lead from distribution lines.

In Armstrong County, Ford City received a $1.6 million grant to replace about 2,600 feet of water main with lead joints along Fifth Avenue between 14^th and 17^th streets.

In Cambria County, Hastings Municipal Authority received a $2 million grant to remove lead from distribution lines.

In Westmoreland County, the Ligonier Township Municipal Authority received a $5.5 million loan to install a 250,000 gallon water tank and five pressure boosting stations. The project will reduce water loss due to leakage and improve water pressure to customer taps.