HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) today awarded $18 million in funding to the Erie City Water Authority to replace lead connections throughout the water system, according to Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49).
The Erie City Water Authority, which services 31,748 household in the City of Erie, intends to replace approximately 2,700 service connections consisting of cast iron pipe attached to water mains by lead goosenecks, which are short, curved sections of pipe located between the water main and shut-off valve. The work will encompass associated excavation, backfill and restoration.
“We all know the health risks associated with lead, even at low levels of exposure,” said Laughlin, “This project will eliminate the threat to Erie’s drinking water posed by these deteriorating and corroding lead connections.”
PENNVEST is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth. Financing is provided through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state as well as proceeds from the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee legislation, Act 13 of 2012.
Contact: David Kozak 717-787-8927