Rep. Marla Brown announced on April 15 that Pennsylvania American Water Company will receive more than $8.9 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to replace lead water service lines in the City of New Castle.
The funding, which includes a low-interest loan of $5.2 million and a grant of $3.8 million, is intended to improve drinking water safety for residents and prevent rate increases that could result from infrastructure upgrades.
“Every family in New Castle deserves safe, reliable drinking water,” Brown said. “This investment removes dangerous lead service lines, protects public health and ensures our infrastructure meets today’s safety standards without placing an added burden on ratepayers.”
According to Brown, the project will involve replacing approximately 603 service lines identified as containing lead or galvanized materials currently or previously connected to lead components. The new service lines will use lead-free copper materials and trenchless excavation methods to minimize disruption for residents.
The project aims to help the community comply with federal and state environmental regulations while ensuring safer drinking water for local households. Without this financial support, significant rate increases could have been necessary for local water users.
PENNVEST was founded in 1988 and provides grants and low-interest loans for the design, engineering, and construction of drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater systems.
