Jul 22, 2014 2 min read

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Tuesday approved a $5 million grant and $4 million loan for improvements needed for the consolidation of the Dunkard Valley Joint Water Authority system with the East Dunkard Water Authority.

“This project will fulfill many urgent needs, including providing safe and reliable water by replacing a system that is losing half of its water through leaks,” said state Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, who with state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, announced the award.

“Completion of the project will alleviate a crisis for hundreds of customers who have experienced severe water shortages alleviated at times by temporary water tanks,” Solobay said.

Under the plan, the authority will build three water tanks and install 72,500 feet of new water lines, 25 new hydrants and 466 new meters for Dunkard Valley’s customers.

“This is great news for the long-suffering water customers of Greensboro and Monongahela Township,” Snyder said. “The financing signals that a major infrastructure upgrade is looming.”

The project is anticipated to begin in November and be completed in July 2015. About 20 jobs to be filled by state residents will be created by the project.

Solobay and Snyder said the project will be a boon for residents, schools and industry, which have been plagued by inadequate water supplies and pressure from the system, much of it built in the 1940s.

The financing package includes more than $5 million in grants funded by federal and state resources, including Growing Greener and Marcellus shale impact fees. The $4.4 million loan segment is financed at 1 percent interest for 30 years.

A $178,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development also supplements the Pennvest financing.