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Cartwright Announces over $10 Million in Grants & Loans to Improve Water Treament in Wayne County

Lake Township, PA , September 25, 2019

Lake Township, PA – On Wednesday, Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-o8) announced new federal funding to improve water treatment for thousands of Pennsylvanian families in Wayne County.

Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Rural Development, the South Wayne County Water and Sewer Authority will receive $4,210,000 in grants and $6,251,000 in loans that will go toward upgrading the existing wastewater treatment plant located in Lake and Salem Townships. The treatment plant, which is over 40 years old, currently serves the equivalent of 3,299 residential dwelling units.

Upgrades will include a new sludge dewatering system to replace the current belt press system; an ultraviolet filter to replace a chemical disinfecting process; and newer, more efficient equipment to replace current blowers and pumps.

“We need efficient and up-to-date infrastructure to ensure a quality of life that retains and attracts residents and businesses,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “That is why I am a strong advocate for programs like this one. I commend the good people at South Wayne County Water and Sewer for being diligent in their stewardship of the municipal water system.”

The funding is part of the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, which provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. It is managed through the USDA’s Office of Rural Development, which extends funding through loans and grants to assist with the expansion of economic opportunities and job creation in rural areas. This assistance supports improvements in infrastructure, business development, housing, and community facilities, such as schools, public safety, and health care.

The USDA is currently investing over $140 million to improve rural water infrastructure in 25 states. Eligible applicants include rural cities and towns, and water districts. They can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.