HAZLETON — Sen. Dave Argall and Rep. Dane Watro on Wednesday announced nearly $27 million in state funding has been awarded by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to projects to improve water service in Hazleton and Mahanoy Township.
“PENNVEST loans and grants are vital tools in supporting communities like ours across the Commonwealth,” said Rep. Watro, R-Hazleton. “By providing funding for critical water infrastructure projects, we can ensure our local governments can improve essential services, enhance public health, and create long-term economic stability for residents and businesses alike. I am pleased to offer my full support of these three important projects in the 116th District.”
Sen. Argall, R-Pottsville, added, “These projects showcase what can be accomplished through dedicated partnerships between state and local government officials. I’m grateful this highly competitive funding will improve water services for thousands of homes and many employers.”
The Schuylkill County Municipal Authority (SCMA) was awarded more than $8.2 million and an additional low interest loan of more than $230,000 to construct a new treatment facility and make other upgrades to the water system in Morea Village, which was recently acquired by SCMA after significant system failures affected residents for many years.
Patrick M. Caulfield, SCMA executive director, said the initiative will ensure a reliable source of public water and fire protection for residents who have endured an unreliable and failing system for many years.
”The innovative design will integrate seamlessly with our existing system, providing a shared supplemental water supply for the entire network,” Caulfield said.
The Hazleton City Authority was awarded more than $16.2 million to replace aging waterlines on Buck Mountain and significantly upgrade the Dreck Creek pump station. The rapid growth of new residents and employers in the greater Hazleton area created a serious need for these projects.
“On behalf of the Hazleton City Authority, we are beyond thankful for this significant grant award,” said Joe Zeller, Hazleton City Authority Board of Directors chairman. “We are in the middle of a monumental expansion of our services to feed our local economic growth and this grant will help to offset those costs to the direct benefit of our ratepayers. Thank you to all those who assisted in making this happen.”
The Mahanoy Township Authority secured a low-interest loan of $2 million to begin upgrading their aging water treatment plant.
Rep. Watro appointed to Chair House subcommittee
Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton, has announced his appointment to serve as the Republican chair of the Subcommittee on Cities under the Local Government Committee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives during the 2025-26 legislative session.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues on legislation related to important issues facing the Commonwealth’s cities,” Rep. Watro said.
In addition to serving on the Local Government Committee, Rep. Watro is also a member of the Education, Insurance, Professional Licensure, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees.