$5.6 million awarded for water and stormwater upgrades in Centre and Jefferson counties

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Over $5.6 million in grant funding has been awarded to Centre and Jefferson counties for critical water quality and stormwater infrastructure projects, Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) announced today, Oct. 18.

The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) and aims to support much-needed improvements across the region.

$1.54M grant to improve manure storage at Centre County beef farm, protect waterways

Among the projects is a $1.5 million grant for Centre County Conservation District to address manure storage and runoff issues at Hall Farm in Julian, which impact local water quality. Two Jefferson County boroughs, Corsica and Sykesville, will also benefit from stormwater infrastructure upgrades, receiving $450,000 and $3.6 million respectively.

"Securing this highly competitive PENNVEST funding is a huge win for even more homeowners, employers, schools, farmers and volunteer firefighters throughout our communities whose health, wealth and safety depend upon affordable and reliable access to clean and pristine water," Dush said. "This will help to offset costs which means ratepayers do not have to bear the economic burden of these high-priced improvements that in the end minimize severe flooding, prevent pollution in our streams and safeguard local water supplies."

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The PENNVEST grants were approved during an Oct. 16 voting meeting, and the upgrades are set to improve the quality of local waterways and stormwater management systems, reducing pollution and preventing residential property damage.