Buffalo Township receives $2.8 million loan for water projects
The Buffalo Township Municipal Authority has been awarded a low-interest loan of about $2.82 million to complete two water line projects.
Part of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority loan will be used to add new drinking water service to 76 residences along Route 228, including Sunny Lane and Kimberly, Carol and Crescent Hill drives. Many existing, private on-lot groundwater wells are contaminated with high levels of manganese, iron and arsenic, which have resulted in poor water quality.
“This is an important issue for local families and also a key step forward in developing and modernizing our water infrastructure,” said state Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th. “I am pleased that PennVEST has recognized the significance of this project and is investing these funds in the future of our communities.”
“Clean, affordable and reliable drinking water is among the most fundamental needs of any community,” said state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st. “These water line projects will help ensure a safe water supply for more residents, upgrade the system’s dependability, and improve response capabilities during fire emergencies, all while maintaining an affordable price point for the authority’s customers.”
A portion of the loan will be used to replace severely deteriorated drinking water distribution lines along Market, Fourth and Buffalo streets in Freeport. New gate valves and fire hydrants are included. The work will be done alongside a lead service line replacement project that received a PennVEST grant earlier this year.
“I’m pleased to see this state program help communities in our area,” said state Rep. Abby Major, R-60th. “Projects like these are vitally important to people’s health. No one should be without clean, potable water in their homes. This loan will help make the projects more affordable and not bankrupt the ratepayers or the authority.”
“Aging waterlines are problems for communities throughout Pennsylvania, as they are expensive to maintain,” said state Sen. Joe Pittman, R-41st. “I am pleased the substantial funding approved by PennVEST will provide support for critical work to improve water quality and ensure the continued health and safety of Freeport borough residents.”
The authority’s board is expected to vote on accepting the loan at its 7 p.m. meeting Thursday, Oct. 19.
The Municipal Authority of Buffalo Township serves 3,016 households in Buffalo Township in Butler County and Freeport in Armstrong County.
