Watro Announces $4.6 Million in State Funding for Water, Sewer System Upgrades in Luzerne, Schuylkill Counties

December 19, 2023

HARRISBURG – Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill) today announced the awarding of more than $4.6 million in state funding to municipal authorities in Luzerne and Schuylkill counties for critical water and sewer system improvement projects.

“Construction costs are on the rise for municipalities across the Commonwealth. That’s why it’s so important state funding like this is available to help complete infrastructure improvements and ensure a safe, reliable water system for the communities I represent in Luzerne and Schuylkill counties,” said Watro. “I was happy to work with local leaders on identifying these projects and advocate on their behalf.”

Three grants, totaling more than $3.47 million, were awarded to the Hazleton City Authority for upgrades to its water treatment plant, a pump station and distribution system.

“Experts anticipate the I-81/I-80 corridor will create 300 million square feet of additional industrial space and 20,000 new jobs over the next decade, underscoring the importance of having the infrastructure in place to support future development in the greater Hazleton region,” Watro added.

The other grants are as follows:
• Greater Hazleton Joint Sewer Authority - $370,000 to replace old sewer lines in Hazleton.
• Kline Township Municipal Authority - $421,312 to replace 1,250 feet of a clean water line in McAdoo Borough.
• Ringtown Sewer Authority - $341,770 to help fund improvements to its wastewater treatment plant.

The grants were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) today at a meeting in Harrisburg through its Small Water and Sewer Program (SWS) and Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program (H2O PA).

The CFA was established as an independent agency of the Commonwealth and holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.

Representative Dane Watro
116th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
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