For Immediate Release
April 20, 2009
Contact: Tim Nyquist
(814) 726-7201

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Johnsonburg Authority Receives $12.6M State Grant

PENNVEST provides funding for wastewater treatment plant renovations

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) today approved a $12,611,000 grant for phase 2 of the Johnsonburg Municipal Authority wastewater treatment plant renovation project, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25).

The Johnsonburg Municipal Authority will use the grant to expand its regional wastewater treatment plant’s average capacity to 2 million gallons per day.

Scarnati said the authority’s collection and treatment facilities are currently overloaded, and during wet weather sewer overflows bypass the system and untreated sewage ends up in the Clarion River. The Authority is currently under a consent order from the Department of Environmental Protect to correct the capacity problems.

"The wastewater treatment plant has not been upgraded in 35 years, and it has exceeded its capacity. This presents a threat to public health and the environment and must be remedied" Senator Scarnati said. "This grant will allow Johnsonburg Municipal Authority to correct overflow problems that resulted in it coming under the scrutiny of the Department of Environmental Protection. The overflow into the Clarion River poses serious health risks and impacts recreational activities enjoyed by local residents and those visiting our area. I support the Authority’s efforts use this funding to correct the capacity problem as soon as possible."