Over $6.3 Million in State Infrastructure Grants Announced For Beaver & Lawrence Counties

Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) each announced on Wednesday that over $6.3 million in state infrastructure grants have been awarded to the Beaver & Lawrence Counties, including $5 million to a waterline and sewer project in Wampum Borough.

“It is great to see the continued investments into the 47th District, especially when it comes to investing in water line and stormwater improvement projects that are a priority in our area,” said Vogel. “Maintaining all aspects of our local infrastructure is a crucial part of providing a safe community for our residents to thrive in.”

Beaver County

Beaver County Conservation District was awarded over $1.3 million for the Wright Brothers Dairy Farm project which will include new feeding and resting areas as well as a cattle walkway to minimize erosion and sedimentation. Manure collection facilities for both solid and liquid manure, a waste storage facility, a silage bag pad, and gravel access areas around the buildings will also be added. A grassed waterway will provide a stabilized channel to convey stormwater from the upslope fields. Stormwater runoff will be collected and treated with stormwater Best Management Practices.

Lawrence County

Wampum Borough was awarded $3.4 million to remove existing distribution lines along and near Clyde, Kay. Main, and Beaver Streets and replaced with approximately 9,300 feet of new six-inch ductile iron water line with miscellaneous appurtenances and restoration. Approximately 100 feet of the new water line will be encased in 12-inch steel pipe.

Additionally, Wampum Borough was awarded $1.6 million to remove approximately 50 lead service lines along and near those same streets in the borough’s drinking water system. New 0.75-inch copper service lines will be installed to include relevant appurtenances and restoration.

“Access to clean, safe water is a fundamental element of improved quality of life. It is also a crucial function of government to provide the proper core infrastructure systems to encourage new economic development,” said Bernstine. “This is a fine example of state and municipal governments working together to effectively meet the essential needs of our communities and doing so in a way that is fiscally responsible.”

The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), an independent state agency providing financial assistance to fund construction of drinking water, sewer and stormwater projects. Founded in 1988, PENNVEST provides grants and low-interest loans for design, engineering and construction of publicly and privately owned drinking water distribution and treatment facilities.