Central Bucks Today

Senator Jarrett Coleman and Representative Shelby Labs have announced that Sellersville and Perkasie will receive over $6.1 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The funding aims to improve water quality and wastewater service reliability in these areas.

The Perkasie Regional Authority is set to receive a low-interest loan exceeding $668,000 along with a grant of nearly $3.2 million. This financial support will be used to enhance water quality by addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through the use of granular-activated carbon. The project involves constructing a building for treating two wells, which will complement existing granular-activated carbon filter vessels designed to remove PFAS from the blended well water supply.

"Drinking water with levels of PFAS that are too high may cause health issues, including an increased risk of cancer. The $3.8 million in state funding will play a critical role in addressing this problem without raising the rate of Perkasie Regional Authority’s residential, commercial and industrial customers," said Coleman. "I’m pleased to see this funding being used wisely."

"This funding from PENNVEST is a major investment in our community’s infrastructure," stated Labs. "It is part of the continued commitment to ensuring residents have access to safe drinking water while also combatting potentially negative environmental impacts."

Sellersville Borough will benefit from nearly $2.3 million in a low-interest loan aimed at resolving issues with an aging gravity sanitary sewer main that has been operational for more than 65 years. The sewer main experiences significant infiltration and inflow during rain events, as revealed by video inspections showing pipe sags, leaking joints, and lateral break-ins.

The loan offers a grant-equivalent value of nearly $638,000 over its lifespan and will facilitate the replacement of over 5,800 feet of eight-inch and 10-inch gravity sanitary sewer main on Lawn Avenue between Almont Road and Maple Avenue. Additionally, the project includes replacing 29 manholes.

PENNVEST approved this funding during its board meeting today. The program provides low-interest loans and grants for various infrastructure projects related to drinking water distribution facilities, stormwater conveyance, wastewater treatment, and collection systems.