PENNVEST funding for sewage system supports hotel/water park project
A major sewer project supporting a proposed resort hotel, indoor water park, and the proposed racetrack and casino in Mahoning Township, Lawrence County, will receive $7,556,690 in state funding, according to Senator Elder Vogel (R-47).
Mahoning Township will use the grant approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) today (April 25) for improvements to bring its recently constructed wastewater treatment plant to its full operating capacity of 360,000 gallons-per-day. Also as part of its Sewer Project Phase II, the township plans to install 39,175 feet of sewer collection and forced mains, 110 manholes and add two pumping stations.
“This grant is great news for the community. This is a sizeable investment by the state in Mahoning Township, which significantly reduces the burden that otherwise would have had to been covered by ratepayers,” said Senator Vogel. “Without this grant, user fees were projected to go up by 61 percent. Now, under PENNVEST’s analysis there hopefully will be a minimal, if any, increase in rates needed to pay for this work.”
The sewer project, once completed, will not only support the Bradford Development Group’s proposed 400-room hotel and indoor water park project, but will also serve approximately 210 residential customers in the Edinburg area and a portion of the State Route 551 corridor, according to Senator Vogel. A study for the project showed a malfunction rate of 44 percent for on-lot sewage systems in the area.
“The upgrades and new sewer lines will enable the township to proactively address environmental issues that – if not corrected – would result in action from the state Department of Environmental Protection,” Senator Vogel said. “In addition, this work will make the area more attractive for economic development and job growth, even beyond what we expect to see with the hotel and water park. In fact, this project is vital for the proposed “racino” project in Mahoning Township. Improving the environment, promoting job creation and helping the local economy, this grant is truly an excellent investment by PENNVEST in our region.”
PENNVEST financing is provided through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state. It is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth.
CONTACT: Joe Weidner
(724) 774-0444