The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) was awarded $209 million in low-interest loan funds from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for the construction of projects within its Water Reliability Plan.
According to PWSA, this is a 30-year loan award with the goal of saving ratepayers approximately $156 million.
“We would like to thank the PENNVEST Board, Governor Wolf, state legislative leaders, and the City of Pittsburgh for continuing to support PWSA’s essential projects,” said PWSA Chief Executive Officer, Will Pickering in the news release. “Once complete, our ambitious Water Reliability Plan will safeguard quality water service for our customers for the next one hundred years.”
PWSA’s Water Reliability Plan encompasses the rehabilitation or replacement of its water pumping and distribution system, which include: large diameter transmission pipes, reservoirs, pump stations, and electrical stations that help to deliver water. PWSA will replace the Clearwell, which is a storage facility used to disinfect and kill harmful bacteria or pathogens in the water.
According to PWSA, the funds will provide continuous service to customers despite power outages, weather events, or other unforeseen issues that can impact service.
Over the next five years, approximately $470 million will be invested into the projects and the remaining costs will be applied to the EPA's Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program.
The Water Reliability Plan harbors contracting opportunities for engineering and construction firms, construction management companies, and other suppliers locally in Pittsburgh and across the country, notes PWSA. PENNVEST funding also requires a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) solicitation process.
“Our partnership with PENNVEST and EPA is producing meaningful savings to our customers. Over time, these low-interest loans reduce the need for rate increases during an unprecedented level of investment in our essential water systems,” said PWSA Finance Director Ed Barca in the news release.
The Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program database allows DBE firms to become aware of opportunities to compete for work funded by EPA financial assistance dollars. PWSA’s Supplier Diversity Policy has a goal for 10-25% of all contracts are to be awarded to DBE firms and will direct $20-50 million of this funding for DBE firms.
The PENNVEST funding package is the largest amount provided by PENNVEST in PWSA's history.
To learn more about our Water Reliability Plan, visit pgh2o.com/your-water/water-reliability-plan
