HAZLETON — State Sen. John Yudichak Thursday said proposed improvements will further facilitate the historic economic growth expansion that is currently taking place in the Greater Hazleton region.
Yudichak, I-Swoyersville, and State Rep. Robert Schnee, R-Drums, announced that the Hazleton City Authority (HCA) and Greater Hazleton Community Area New Development Organization, Inc. (CAN DO) will receive a total of $5,775,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority for two important infrastructure projects in the Greater Hazleton area.
“The state investments announced today through the PENNVEST low interest financing program for the Hazleton City Authority and CAN DO will help in continuing both entities dedicated approach to improving their infrastructure, which will enhance their ability to continue to provide safe, reliable drinking water to the Greater Hazleton community,” Yudichak said.
PENNVEST was founded on March 1, 1988 and serves the communities and citizens of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, stormwater and drinking water projects.
“These projects will prove crucial in continuing to provide the residents of Hazleton and Luzerne and Carbon counties with access to clean water,” Schnee said. “I am more than pleased to see these funds approved so these improvements can be made.”
CAN DO owns and operates a public water supply system that serves commercial establishments in the Humboldt Industrial Park. The system has five wells and an inter-connection with Hazleton City Authority with 60 service connections, providing water to an employee population of approximately 11,243.
CAN DO will receive $3.5 million in funding for an oxidation and pressure filtration system to be installed to reduce iron and manganese to acceptable levels throughout its water supply system.
“Funding for this important filtration project will allow for improved water quality, which will assist in meeting industry needs throughout Humboldt Industrial Park, and enable CAN DO to fulfill its mission in creating and retaining jobs in the Greater Hazleton area,” said Joseph Lettiere, President & CEO, CAN DO, Inc. “We are appreciative for the support of the PENNVEST board and staff, as well as the ongoing support of Sen. Yudichak and other local elected leaders.”
Hazleton City Authority owns and operates a public water supply system that serves the residents and commercial establishments in and around Hazle Township. A recent feasibility study revealed the need for a booster pump station to provide adequate supply and water pressure to existing and proposed customers on the western side of the Authority’s service area.
Hazleton City Authority will receive $2.275 million for a new booster pump station that will be constructed near the intersection of State Routes 424 and 309.
“The PENNVEST funding program continues to be a great asset to the Hazleton City Authority and it is a program that we have been able utilize to help fund numerous vital infrastructure projects throughout our system, said Scot Burkhardt, HCA Director of Operations. “As always, I would like to again thank Sen. Yudichak and Rep. Schnee for their help and continued support and also the people at PENNVEST for always working so well with our staff and personnel on these important projects.”
Since its inception, PENNVEST has continued its service to the communities and citizens of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, stormwater and drinking water projects throughout the Commonwealth.
These projects not only contribute to improving Pennsylvania’s environment and the health of its people, they also provide opportunities for economic growth and jobs for Pennsylvania’s workers.