Takac: State College, College Township and Snow Shoe Township projects to share more than $4.3 in awarded state funding
Rep. Paul Takac December 19, 2023 | 2:52 PM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, today announced more than $4.3 million in state grants for local water and sewer projects, with the lion’s share going toward the Calder Way infrastructure improvement project.
State College will receive $2.75 million to help replace its water, stormwater and sanitary sewer systems under Calder Way.
“The Calder Way Project is truly a centerpiece of the State College Downtown Master Plan. But before the streetscape transformation can begin, underground upgrades and repairs of the stormwater, sewer, and water supply infrastructure have to be completed,” Takac said.
“I’m delighted to have partnered with Rep. Conklin to deliver these grants to help fund this critical phase of the project and excitedly await the day that residents and visitors alike can enjoy this revitalized pedestrian and bike-friendly corridor,” he said.
State College Borough Mayor Ezra Nanes said this funding is important for the project.
"The Borough of State College and all of those who work and visit here will benefit greatly from the funding for construction in Calder Way. Aging sanitary sewer lines along Calder Way will be replaced, which will prevent potential backups and capacity issues with the system, stormwater lines currently existing on Calder Way will be replaced and upgraded in some segments, allowing for an increase in capacity to convey stormwater in one of the Borough’s lowest-lying areas, and planned water line replacement will upgrade existing facilities and help prevent future water main breaks," Nanes said.
Jesse Barlow, State College Borough Council president, had this to say: “The Borough of State College is grateful to our representatives for their help in obtaining state funding for important borough projects.”
Also receiving funding in today’s announcement are College Township Water Authority and Mountaintop Area Municipal Authority. Takac was instrumental in securing the funding for these projects.
College Township Water Authority will receive $1.359 million to construct a potable water well in the township and replace the waterline along First Avenue.
“As a resident and a former member of College Township Council I know and appreciate the importance of investing in basic infrastructure such as water systems. Over many years, the team at the College Township Water Authority have provided outstanding service to customers and been diligent in not only maintaining existing facilities but also planning for future needs,” Takac said.
“I am delighted to help deliver these significant grant awards to support these much-needed projects, which will ensure that College Township residents and businesses continue to enjoy access to abundant clean water for many more years to come.”
“The College Township Water Authority is very pleased to be receiving a combined $1.3 million in grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority through their COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA and Small Water and Sewer Project Grant Programs,” said Martin McGann, College Township Water Authority chairman. “These grant funds will support two major water infrastructure projects that will directly benefit customers in the Villages of Oak Hall and Lemont. Through the CFA’s financial support, the authority will be able to continue providing its customers with excellent water quality and a superior level of service while also maintaining reasonable billing rates. The College Township Water Authority wishes to thank the Commonwealth Financing Authority, Representative Takac, our state, county and local elected officials, and its customers for all of their support for these projects.”
The Mountaintop Area Municipal Authority will receive $212,500 to upgrade its existing wastewater treatment system in Snow Shoe Township.
“A few months ago I had the opportunity to meet the team at Mountaintop Area Municipal Authority and tour the Moshannon wastewater treatment plant in Snow Shoe. I saw firsthand the need for maintenance and upgrades to this aging facility. A well-functioning sewer system is one of the most important pieces of a community’s overall infrastructure and so I am very excited to announce this award of $212,500. These funds will help extend the working life of the plant and ensure reliable and effective wastewater disposal, Takac said.
"As a small authority, we have been struggling for a good bit of time to figure out where and how to cut costs so that we can afford to make the upgrades and repairs we need on our system,” said Katie Cramer, Mountaintop Area Municipal Authority, board member. “Receiving this grant from the Commonwealth with the help of Rep. Takac is a great relief to the authority and will help us to better serve our community and customers in the future."
These awards are in addition to more than $1 million in funding that Takac separately announced in partnership with Sen. Cris Dush.
The grants are from the H20 PA Program, and Small Water and Sewer Program, which are administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
The H20 PA Program provides single- or multi-year grants to municipalities or municipal authorities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm water projects. The Small Water and Sewer Program provides for small water, sewer, and storm system water infrastructure projects.