Franconia, Pa. — State Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery) and State Representative Steve Malagari (D-53 Montgomery) announced today that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved a $2,349,000 low-interest loan for the Franconia Sewer Authority.
“The success of municipal sewer systems and the hardworking people who manage them is essential to protecting our public health, environment and local economy,” Collett said. “I was proud to work with Representative Malagari and Franconia Township to secure this critical infrastructure investment.”
Franconia Sewer Authority will receive $2,349,000 to install 15,010 feet of new, low-pressure sewer main to provide public sewer access to 131 existing homes currently using on-lot disposal systems. The project is also anticipated to reduce nutrient load pollution in the Indian Creek.
“Infrastructure investments like this one are crucial to the long-term success of our community,” said Malagari. “This new investment will provide reliable, dependable wastewater treatment infrastructure to Franconia Township’s growing population, helping protect our environment and enhance public health. I’m proud to have worked with Senator Collett and our municipal partners to deliver state funding to support this project.”
Franconia Sewer Authority Executive Director George Witmayer commented: “This PENNVEST loan will allow the Franconia Sewer Authority to provide public sewer service to approximately 130 existing homes. On-lot disposal systems have a finite lifespan, and many of the properties included in this project have reached their useful life, while others are close to their end. Extensive engineering is involved in determining the best course of action – public sewer, upgraded or new on-lot systems and such, with a focus not only on environmental viability but also economics. Ensuring proper waste disposal is critical to the environmental health of the community, as well as maintaining property values. The PENNVEST loan will go a long way in reducing the cost to homeowners in the project area.”
PENNVEST provides low-cost financial assistance to address water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source pollution problems impacting public health, safety, the environment, regulatory compliance, and economic development.