Apr. 24, 2024
HARRISBURG – Rep. Mike Cabell (R-Luzerne) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) today announced a low-interest state loan of more than $3.6 million awarded to the Freeland Municipal Authority for a water tank replacement project. The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
“We must continue to invest in aging infrastructure, and this loan does just that,” said Cabell. “Hopefully, the financial help will also stave off any rate increases for the thousands of customers this system serves in Freeland Borough, Foster Township and Butler Township.”
“I’m thankful to have a great partner in Rep. Mike Cabell to work with on behalf of the people of Freeland, Foster Township and Butler Township,” said Argall. “Over 2,000 families will now have more reliable water service thanks to this highly competitive funding.”
Specifically, the project calls for the authority’s Upper Lehigh Standpipe tank to be demolished and replaced with a new, 100,000-gallon elevated water storage tank to be constructed at a new location on Oak Street. The new tank will include a submersible tank mixer to prevent stagnation and reduce the potential for ice buildup, in addition to an altitude valve vault with a pressure transmitter to monitor and record the tank level. Eight hundred feet of 8-inch water main will be extended to the new tank, and a new building will be constructed to house controls and a water sampling system.
The old tank has reached the end of its useful life. Low water turnover and inadequate flow negatively impact the quality and quantity of water. Additionally, the poor state of the tank hinders the authority’s ability to take its Harding Street tank out of service for maintenance while maintaining adequate pressure and emergency storage capacity. The authority serves nearly 2,200 households in three municipalities.
PENNVEST was established by Act 16 of 1988 and is an independent agency of the Commonwealth providing financial assistance to fund construction of drinking water, sewer and storm water projects in communities throughout Pennsylvania.
Representative Mike Cabell
117th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
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