HARRISBURG — Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) today announced $10 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to help the Erie City Water Authority replace approximately 1,250 aging water service connections in the City of Erie.
The funding, which does not have to be repaid, will support the sixth phase of the authority’s customer-side galvanized service line replacement program.
“Erie families deserve safe, reliable drinking water without being burdened by the full cost of replacing aging infrastructure,” Laughlin said. “This $10 million investment will help protect public health, improve water service and ease the financial pressure these necessary upgrades would otherwise place on customers.”
The project will replace private-side galvanized service lines that were previously connected to water mains containing lead goosenecks or other lead components. Although the authority previously removed the public-side lead components, the remaining galvanized lines require replacement to address potential lead exposure and deterioration.
Approximately 1,138 of the connections serve residential customers, with the remaining connections serving commercial or industrial properties. The work will also include excavation, backfilling and restoration.
“Replacing these lines continues the progress Erie has made toward a safer, more dependable water system,” Laughlin said. “I appreciate the authority’s continued work to address aging infrastructure and PENNVEST’s investment in our community.”
Construction is expected to begin in April 2027 and be completed in November 2029.
CONTACT: Chris Carroll | Phone: 814-453-2515