County awarded over $1M in grants for water projects
Butler County was awarded more than $1,350,000 in grant funding for two Butler County Infrastructure Bank projects, according to county officials Friday.
The Allegheny-Clarion Valley Business Park Sewer and Water Compliance Project in Allegheny Township received a $931,920 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development H2O grant. The $3,827,771 four-county project replaces the park’s water supply and wastewater treatment plants. The Butler County Infrastructure Bank is providing $1,277,771 of the cost.
The Petrolia Borough Stormwater System Improvements Project received a $422,722 state department Small Water and Sewer grant. The $499,531 project is for the rehabilitation of the borough’s stormwater management systems. The infrastructure bank is providing $74,598.
Mark Gordon, county chief of economic development and planning, said in a news release Friday that the funding is a boon to the county.
“This is welcome and exciting news as we attempt to further infrastructure improvements into our region,” Gordon said.
The Butler County commissioners noted the assistance of state legislators Sen. Joe Pittman, R-41st, and Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, and Rep. R. Lee James, R-64th, in securing the funding.
The Allegheny Clarion Valley Business Park’s water supply and wastewater treatment plants have both been cited for deficiencies by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Pittman said the project is vital on multiple levels.
“Beyond the serious public health and safety issues created by the deteriorating systems at these current facilities, there is also an important economic component here as these facilities are essential to maintain the 600 jobs in the business park,” Pittman said in the news release.
The Petrolia stormwater system currently is unable to handle high stormwater flows, which causes flooding and freezing roads.
Mustello said the project is essential.
Work includes the installation of 1,100 linear feet of pipe and 15 new catch basins.
“This is an important investment by the state in Petrolia to help the community address serious flooding issues,” Pittman said.
