Pittsburgh, Pa. − April 16, 2026 − Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) and Rep. Mandy Steele (D-33) announced today that Sharpsburg and Brackenridge have been awarded over $24 million in PENNVEST state funding for water and wastewater treatment projects in the Allegheny Valley.
“Pennsylvanians have the constitutional right to pure water, and that includes access to clean, safe drinking water,” said Senator Williams. “I’m happy to support these PENNVEST awards that will help local communities make good on that promise without passing on the costs of improvement to ratepayers. I’m especially glad to see meaningful state investment in our smaller, local water systems, bringing the benefits of improved water quality without the added costs to more Pennsylvanians.”
“This PENNVEST funding will go a long way toward reinvigorating water systems in these boroughs, making sure that communities have access to clean water and sanitary sewage for decades to come,” said Rep. Steele. “I’m grateful to the state for investing in these needed renovations, including non-repayable funding that keeps costs on these projects down for constituents.”
Brackenridge has been awarded a $7,465,740 PENNVEST loan and a $5,754,260 PENNVEST grant for upgrades to the Borough Water Filtration Plant. This project includes installing automatic shutdown capabilities; improving the facilities dedicated to removing contaminants and clarifying water; and general electrical, mechanical, and control system improvements. This work is part of a Consent Order and Agreement between Brackenridge and the PA Department of Environmental Protection to improve the treatment plant and provide additional safeguards to the water supply for over 3,000 people and businesses in the service area.
“Protecting and developing our public drinking water systems is one of the most critical tasks for securing this region’s future and I’m proud that Brackenridge is leading the way,” said Brackenridge Mayor Lindsay Fraser.
Sharpsburg has been awarded a $9,123,913 PENNVEST loan and a $1,764,298 PENNVEST grant for sanitary sewer repairs throughout the Borough. This project includes rehabilitating approximately 47,000 feet of sewer line, installing 18 new manholes and the necessary vertical infrastructure for access, and reconstructing or replacing 17 existing stormwater inlets. These improvements follow a 2025 system-wide inspection of the sewer system that revealed the need for immediate repairs. These repairs will help keep the water supply of our entire region healthy, as they will reduce wastewater and stormwater infiltration into the Allegheny River and other waterways.
PENNVEST, or the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, is a financing authority that provides low-cost financial assistance to address water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source pollution problems that impact public health, safety, the environment, regulatory compliance, and economic development. Awards focus on projects that ensure Pennsylvanians have access to clean water and support the Commonwealth’s economic development.
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