HARRISBURG – Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) and Reps. Kristin Marcell (R-178) and Joe Hogan (R-142) announced today that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved the Northampton Bucks County Municipal Authority’s request for a low interest loan of $9,434,574 for a wastewater project.
With the funding, the authority will rehabilitate part of their collection and conveyance system – which serves more than 13,000 residents in Northampton Township in Bucks County – using cured-in-place pipe lining.
“I am pleased to see this substantial funding awarded to Northampton Bucks County Municipal Authority,” said Farry. “This is a necessary investment that will ultimately protect the health and well-being of the residents of Northampton Township and the surrounding communities.”
The collection system was constructed between 1973 and 1980 with pipes made of vitrified clay, which are defective due to aging. Infiltration and inflow during wet weather events result in a significant increase in the base flow, overwhelming the pump stations, and leading to sanitary sewer overflows into the Ironworks Creek, a tributary to the Neshaminy Creek.
“This low interest loan will help support infrastructure challenges in Northampton Township,” said Marcell. “By upgrading the wastewater system, we’re protecting our local waterways, supporting public health and ensuring our community’s infrastructure is equipped to meet future demands. I’m proud to partner with Sen. Farry on this important project for our residents.”
The project includes lining 49,000 feet of sewer mains and 729 laterals as well as installing a new sewer cleanout at each property, intended to eliminate the cause of wet weather overflows and potential discharge of untreated sewage to the authority’s waterways.
“These funds not only help the authority to significantly reduce the amount of sewer discharge into Neshaminy Creek, but they will also help to reduce operating costs, which ultimately stabilizes rates for customers,” said Hogan.
For the first five years, the loan’s interest rate will be locked at 1.743% and will increase to 2.279% for years six until maturity. The PENNVEST low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of $2,656,692 over the life of the loan. Resident rates are not expected to rise.
PENNVEST is an independent state agency that provides financial assistance for sewer, storm water and drinking water projects in communities across the commonwealth.
CONTACT:
Nicole McGerry (Farry)
Will Patterson (Marcell)
Joe Szymanski (Hogan)