Berks County News

Rep. Jamie Barton has announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has allocated over $3.7 million in grants for water and sewer projects within Pennsylvania's 124th Legislative District. The funding aims to enhance infrastructure, a priority Barton emphasized even before taking office.

"Improving our infrastructure has been a high priority of mine even before I ran for office, and that's why I fought so hard for this funding," Barton stated. "While most people won't see these improvements being made, they're incredibly important for the health and safety of our communities."

A portion of the funds comes from the COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) directed to H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer, and Storm Water Projects Program. Specific allocations include $2.5 million to Coaldale Lansford Summit Hill Sewer Authority for wastewater treatment plant improvements in Carbon and Schuylkill counties, and $600,000 to Orwigsburg Borough for a sewer upgrade project.

The remaining funds derive from ARPA allocations to the Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program. Projects benefiting from this include $300,000 to Lansford Coaldale Joint Water Authority for replacing approximately 1,600 water meters across several boroughs; $208,675 to Tamaqua Area Water Authority for the BET Property water service project; $135,001 to Kutztown Borough for storm pipe replacements along Main Street; and $30,636 to New Ringgold Borough for repairs at its wastewater treatment plant.

Barton also expressed gratitude towards Sen. Dave Argall: "Thanks to Sen. Dave Argall and his advocacy for the Schuylkill County projects," he said. "The time and effort we've put in bringing our districts' taxpayer dollars back to the area is paying off!"

For further information or media inquiries regarding these developments in the 124th Legislative District of Pennsylvania House of Representatives, contact Jake Gillespie at 717-772-9834 or JGillespie@pahousegop.com.