Pennsylvania Governor to Invest $2.2 Million in Municipalities

Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that the state will investment of $2.2 million in Pennsylvania's municipalities, municipal authorities and public school districts in order to improve public health and improve utility service.

Nine grants will help finance improvements to existing sewage facilities and drinking water systems using new or innovative technologies.

"Rejuvenated waterways, enhanced communities and improved public safety are just some of the results we can expect from the investments we are making today in Pennsylvania's water and wastewater infrastructure," Governor Rendell said. "Upgrading Pennsylvania's drinking and wastewater facilities is an essential step toward protecting our residents and attracting new business to the commonwealth."

The grant program is administered by DEP and uses Growing Greener II funds to encourage technological advances that will significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of existing facilities.

Projects that receive funding through the program are restricted to drinking water and wastewater treatment technologies, as well as sewer collection and conveyance system improvement technologies that are commercially available, but have not yet been widely used in Pennsylvania.

The project must provide one or more significant advantages over conventional technology.

Governor Rendell's Growing Greener II initiative highlighted the importance that clean and healthy water resources have not only in protecting public health, but also in ensuring Pennsylvania remains economically competitive. The Governor's voter-approved initiative provides $625 million over six years to enhance the health of Pennsylvania waterways by limiting nutrient loading and preventing nonpoint source pollution.

Source: Office of Governor Rendell