Twenty-eight drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and nonpoint source projects in 20 counties across the state, including Armstrong County, will receive a total of $194.3 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.

The projects include replacing lead or other corrosive pipes, rehabilitating aging systems, upgrading service capabilities, extending service to more communities and reducing environmental contaminants. Some projects will bring systems up to compliance with current regulatory levels and agricultural Best Management Practices, according to a news release.

Ford City will receive a $9.5 million grant and a $4.7 million loan to replace cast iron pipes containing lead joints with about 45,050 feet of C900 plastic water main, as well as install water service lines, 70 fire hydrants, blowoff assemblies and more.

Ford City also received a $2.4 million grant and a $3.1 million loan to replace about 1,245 existing leaded gooseneck or galvanized steel service connections with plastic piping. Of the 1,245 services to be replaced, 1,225 are for residential users, while the remaining 20 services are for commercial or industrial users. Removal of any existing leaded gooseneck connections and galvanized or brass service lines will result in safer drinking water throughout the borough, according to the news release.

Removal of the cast iron piping, lead joints and lead gooseneck service connections will eliminate health risks to the community that are associated with potential lead exposure. The new joints will also eliminate leakage in the pipes, resulting in less water loss.