The Shapiro Administration has announced a significant investment in Berks County’s water infrastructure as part of a broader $218.8 million initiative across 21 Pennsylvania counties. This funding, provided through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), aims to enhance water quality and safety throughout the Commonwealth by upgrading aging systems, reducing environmental contaminants, and ensuring clean drinking water.
In Berks County, the Mt. Penn Borough Municipal Authority has been awarded a $3.2 million loan to improve local drinking water systems. The project will replace the aging water storage tank on Spook Lane with a modern AWWA D-110 tank, designed to prevent erosion materials from contaminating the water supply. Additional upgrades will include modifications to the Grandview Booster Pump Station and improvements to piping and valves at Friedensburg Road and Spook Lane, ensuring better water flow and reducing the amount of time water is stored in the system.
These upgrades are expected to significantly improve the quality of drinking water for residents by eliminating potential contaminants and optimizing the system’s operational efficiency.
Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “Every Pennsylvanian has a constitutional right to clean air and pure water. Our administration is committed to ensuring safe water when families turn on the faucet.”
PENNVEST Chairman Dr. Brian Regli also highlighted the long-term benefits of the infrastructure improvements, adding, “There will never be a more cost-effective time to transform our water and wastewater treatment facilities into self-sustaining energy-makers. Drinking water and wastewater operators planning to incorporate clean energy into their facilities have the ability to benefit from the IRA Tax Credits, while at the same time, utilizing PENNVEST BIL funding for the same project.”
This investment is part of a larger state initiative to revamp Pennsylvania’s water infrastructure, with projects ranging from lead pipe replacement to the integration of clean energy technologies. Berks County’s project is expected to have lasting benefits for both public health and the environment.