Lehigh Times

Senator Jarrett Coleman and Representative Shelby Labs have announced that Sellersville and Perkasie will receive over $6.1 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The funds are allocated to improve water quality and wastewater service reliability in these communities.

The Perkasie Regional Authority is set to receive a low-interest loan exceeding $668,000 and a grant of nearly $3.2 million. These funds aim to enhance water quality by addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using granular-activated carbon technology. The construction of a treatment facility for two wells will incorporate this technology to remove PFAS from the blended well water supply.

"Drinking water with levels of PFAS that are too high may cause health issues, including an increased risk of cancer. The $3.8 million in state funding will play a critical role in addressing this problem without raising the rate of Perkasie Regional Authority’s residential, commercial, and industrial customers," said Senator Coleman. "I’m pleased to see this funding being used wisely."

Representative Labs commented on the importance of the funding: "This funding from PENNVEST is a major investment in our community’s infrastructure. It is part of the continued commitment to ensuring residents have access to safe drinking water while also combating potentially negative environmental impacts."

Sellersville Borough will benefit from nearly $2.3 million through a low-interest loan aimed at replacing an aging gravity sanitary sewer main that has been operational for over 65 years and suffers from significant infiltration issues during rain events. Video inspections revealed pipe sags, leaking joints, and lateral break-ins.

The loan will provide the grant-equivalent of nearly $638,000 throughout its life span, facilitating the replacement of more than 5,800 feet of eight-inch and 10-inch gravity sanitary sewer main along Lawn Avenue between Almont Road and Maple Avenue. The project includes installing new pipes—4,195 feet of eight-inch and 1,671 feet of 10-inch gravity sewer main—and replacing 29 manholes.

The PENNVEST board approved these funds at their recent meeting. The state's PENNVEST Program offers low-interest loans and grants for developing drinking water distribution facilities as well as stormwater conveyance and wastewater treatment systems.