Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar and Sen. Pat Stefano have announced the allocation of $2.15 million in state funding for six improvement projects in Somerset County.
Of the total, $1 million from the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) will be used to repair six pedestrian bridges along a six-mile stretch of the Great Allegheny Passage trail.
The Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program has provided grants to several local entities:
– Shade-Central City Joint Authority will receive $300,000 to expand its collection and treatment facilities, aiming to prevent future bypass events into Dark Shade Creek.
– The Borough of Salisbury is set to obtain $250,000 for improvements at its water reservoir site and pump station.
– Garrett Borough has been awarded $200,000 for restoring five sanitary sewer manholes and repairing 1,500 linear feet of sanitary sewer main to reduce infiltration and inflow.
– Jennerstown Municipal Water Authority will get $200,000 to replace 110 outdated water meters with new ones located outside homes at property lines.
– Confluence Borough Municipal Authority will receive $200,000 for replacing 1,420 linear feet of aging water line along Beggs and Oden streets.
“These investments are commitments to strengthening Somerset County’s infrastructure,” said Metzgar. “As needs arise, we must be able to act with diligence and urgency to improve quality of life for families and generations now and well into the future. I am proud to see my efforts be successful in getting these deserved funds back into our district.”
“Strong infrastructure is essential,” Stefano said. “These investments will have a meaningful impact in Somerset County by empowering municipalities to better serve residents, enhance public safety, and support long-term growth for our communities. I’m glad to see these projects put into motion.”
The Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program supports municipal projects related to water supply systems, sanitary sewers, storm sewers or flood control that cost between $30,000 and $500,000. Funding can be used for construction or rehabilitation work on these systems.
The MTF aims to promote economic development by supporting transportation infrastructure such as community streetscapes, lighting improvements, sidewalk enhancements, pedestrian safety measures, connectivity upgrades among transportation assets and transit-oriented development.
