The Womelsdorf-Robesonia Joint Authority will receive a nearly $1.2 million low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to rehabilitate the Furnace Creek water storage tank, part of a statewide investment aimed at improving drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
The funding is part of a $306.4 million package approved by PENNVEST for 29 drinking water and wastewater projects across 23 Pennsylvania counties. According to the Shapiro administration, the projects will replace aging infrastructure, improve water quality, replace lead service lines and address contaminants such as PFAS.
The Berks County project includes a $1,168,821 low-interest loan to rehabilitate the Furnace Creek finished water storage tank serving the Womelsdorf-Robesonia Joint Authority.
Planned improvements include cleaning and recoating both the interior and exterior of the tank, repairing deteriorated welds, replacing the roof vent and mesh screen, installing new interior and exterior ladders, adding safety cable climb systems, installing a new 30-inch shell manway, and modifying the tank inlet and exterior overflow pipe.
State officials said the rehabilitation is intended to reduce the risk of leaks that could create health hazards while ensuring reliable drinking water service and maintaining fire protection capabilities for the surrounding communities.
“Reliable water service is a critical piece of building strong, vibrant communities,” Sen. Chris Gebhard, R-48, said in a joint announcement with Rep. Russ Diamond, R-102. “Ensuring our infrastructure is operational is a key function of government, and I’m pleased this funding is dedicated to that purpose.”
Diamond said the investment will help local water authorities continue providing an essential public service without placing an undue financial burden on residents.
“Access to safe, clean drinking water is part of what makes Pennsylvania communities appealing to long-term residents and newcomers alike,” Diamond said. “This funding will help the local municipal authorities provide that key service while doing so without overburdening taxpayers and water customers.”
Governor Josh Shapiro said the statewide PENNVEST investments continue the administration’s efforts to modernize Pennsylvania’s water infrastructure.
“Every Pennsylvanian has a constitutional right to pure water, and my Administration is continuing that work by investing in projects that modernize aging water infrastructure, replace lead service lines, and address contaminants like PFAS,” Shapiro said. “PENNVEST is helping communities across the Commonwealth make these critical upgrades so more Pennsylvanians have clean, safe, reliable drinking water when they turn on the tap.”
Since Shapiro took office, the administration said more than $3.7 billion has been invested through PENNVEST to improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across Pennsylvania, including replacing more than 40,000 lead service lines.
PENNVEST provides low-cost financing for water, wastewater, stormwater and nonpoint source pollution projects using a combination of state and federal funding sources, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
