HARRISBURG, April 22, 2015 – Residents of a southeastern Berks County community will enjoy better drinking water following the completion of a sanitary sewer project that today was awarded a $5.3 million investment from the commonwealth.
State Sens. Judy Schwank (D-Ruscombmanor Township) and John Rafferty (R-Collegeville) said PENNVEST’s funding for the Geigertown project includes a $3.33 million grant.
“Geigertown residents will win the benefits of cleaner drinking water and improved pollution controls, and Geigertown taxpayers will not have to pay the full bill to correct the village’s problems,” Sen. Schwank said following the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority’s approval of the project. “It’s a win-win for Geigertown residents and our environment.”
Malfunctioning “on-lot” sewage systems have been sending sewage runoff into the Hay Creek Watershed.
“Geigertown sits near French Creek State Park so today’s PENNVEST decision will help to improve the quality of life for the village’s residents and it will safeguard a special public space that entertains visitors and serves as a habitat for wildlife,” Sen. Rafferty said.
Under the terms of the PENNVEST investment, Geigertown will have 20 years to pay back $2 million. The loan carries a 1-percent interest rate.
The project will result in the construction of more than 12,000 linear feet of 8-inch pipe, more than 1,600 feet of 6-inch pipe, 51 new manholes, two pumping stations, plus other technology.
It will also eliminate the need for a non-compliance order from the state Department of Environmental Protection that was written to correct the sewage runoff problems.
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