Smethport Gets Loan for Water Improvements

The Smethport Borough Authority has been selected to receive an $805,000 low-interest loan to make major improvements to their water system, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25).

Scarnati said the loan was awarded through the state’s PENNVEST Program which provides low-interest loans and grants for the design, engineering and construction of drinking water distribution facilities, storm water conveyance and wastewater treatment and collection systems.

The Smethport Borough Authority will utilize the funding to construct a new screening facility to remove debris upstream of the combined sewer overflow regulator. A washer compacter will also be installed. The improvements will be made to an existing system and system wide user fees are not expected to increase.

“This PENNVEST funding will provide for needed updates within the community to improve local water supplies and protect public health,” Scarnati said. “I congratulate everyone from Smethport Borough and McKean County who have worked to secure this financial support. The loans will help supply substantial funding to ensure that area residents have access to clean water, while advancing environmental improvement measures and economic development efforts.”

Implementation of this project will provide a cost effective solution to maintaining permit compliance that will in turn improve the quality of life for the system customers. Once completed, the project will also eliminate raw sewage health hazards in publicly accessible areas.

The project is anticipated to create 10 jobs. Construction will likely begin in October of 2014 with completion by April of 2015.

More information regarding the Commonwealth’s PENNVEST program can be found at: www.pennvest.state.pa.us.

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