HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) today announced nearly $15.5 million in funding for Shinglehouse Borough’s ongoing wastewater treatment plant improvements.

The funding comes in the form of a $5.99 million low-interest loan at a term of just 1%, as well as a $9.5 million grant. Both the loan and grant were awarded by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) at its meeting Wednesday.

“This is a necessary investment in public health, as well as the health of our infrastructure systems in Shinglehouse,” Causer said. “It is so important to ensure our communities can properly treat their wastewater to protect our clean water supply. I was pleased to support this funding.”

“As is the case in most rural communities, meaningful and sustained economic recovery begins with adequately funding and maintaining a safe, reliable and clean water and sewer infrastructure,” said Dush. “I am confident that Shinglehouse Borough will apply both this grant and low-interest loan as investments toward responsible environmental stewardship, to ensure a healthier ecosystem and safeguard the well-being of aquatic life. By qualifying for this highly competitive state financing, Shinglehouse Borough will be able to significantly upgrade the sewer wastewater treatment plant and meet the water quality needs of their community for years to come.”

The borough is entering the second phase of its plan to make necessary upgrades to its wastewater treatment facility, which includes installing essential treatment equipment. Upgrades included a new grit removal system, clarifiers, effluent pumps and controls, and a new pre-anaerobic reactor tank. The existing chlorine contact tank will be structurally rehabilitated with concrete and an epoxy coating system. Also, a new headworks building will be constructed as part of the project.

The wastewater treatment system serves 531 households in the borough and three in Sharon Township.

Since its inception in 1988, PENNVEST has served communities and citizens by funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects across the Commonwealth. PENNVEST funding does not come from the state’s General Fund budget, but through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state, as well as proceeds from Act 13 of 2012, the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee.