Two Northampton County municipalities in the 138th Legislative District were recently awarded state grants to assist in the completion of water and sewer improvement projects that will benefit residents and communities, announced Rep. Marcia Hahn, R-138th. The funding was made available through the Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program.

“Infrastructure costs are on the rise for small municipalities statewide. That’s why it is so important programs like this are available to help ensure critical infrastructure improvements are completed,” Hahn said. “I was happy to work with municipal leaders on identifying these projects and advocate on their behalf.”

Bath Borough Authority was awarded $224,825 for a water system improvement project.

Specifically, the grant funding will go toward the installation of 1,100 feet of PVC waterline, two fire hydrants, five valves, new service lines and interconnections to exiting water mains at Penn, East Main and Pine streets. The old cast iron pipes to be replaced have a history of breaks and leaks. The authority has also committed $39,675 of its own funding for the $264,000 project.

Pen Argyl Borough was awarded $47,586 for sewer improvements on Moyer Street and East Babbit Avenue. Specifically, the grant funding will address issues with two sewer mains.

The work on Moyer Street includes the removal of a deteriorating sewer main point and extending it by 40 feet with a new manhole. On East Babbit Avenue, 100 feet of deteriorating clay pipe will be replaced, along with two service laterals and clean-out assemblies. A new manhole will also be installed. The borough is contributing $8,398 toward the $55,984 project.

The Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program was established by the General Assembly to award grants to municipalities and municipal authorities for water, sewer, stormwater and flood control projects with a cost of no less than $30,000 and no more than $500,000.

The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency that holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.