HARRISBURG – State Sen. John DiSanto (PA-15) today announced the approval of $2.1 million in state funding to help pay for improvements to the Highspire Borough Authority, Dauphin County, sewage treatment plant.
The authority will receive a $274,100 low-interest loan and a $1.8 million grant from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
The improvement project includes demolition of the primary digester and building, and construction of a new digester and dewatering building, a new shelter for die sludge cake dumpster and two new common wall digester tanks. New transfer structures will also be included.
The centrifuge is nearly 30 years old and is nearing the end of its useful operating life. Due to the age of the equipment, parts for the centrifuge are not readily available and have long lead times when ordered. This is causing accelerating costs and unpredictability related to the treatment process.
“Proper sewage treatment is critical to maintaining public health, but it is expensive and requires ongoing investment. I am happy to announce this state assistance that will allow Highspire to make these crucial upgrades while maintaining affordability for local ratepayers,” DiSanto said.
PENNVEST is an independent state agency providing financial assistance to fund construction of drinking water, sewer and stormwater projects in communities throughout Pennsylvania.
CONTACT: Chuck Erdman cerdman@pasen.gov