Upper Bucks Today

Senator Jarrett Coleman, along with Representatives Shelby Labs and Craig Staats, announced that Sellersville and Perkasie will receive over $6.1 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The funding aims to remove chemicals from the water supply and enhance wastewater service reliability.

The Perkasie Regional Authority is set to receive a low-interest loan exceeding $668,000 and a grant of nearly $3.2 million. This financial support will improve water quality by addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using granular-activated carbon. The funds will also be used to construct a building for treating two wells as an addition to the existing filter vessels.

"Drinking water with levels of PFAS that are too high may cause health issues, including an increased risk of cancer," stated Coleman. "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."

Labs remarked on the significance of the investment: "This funding from PENNVEST is a major investment in our community’s infrastructure." She emphasized its role in ensuring safe drinking water while mitigating environmental impacts.

Staats highlighted the importance of protecting water resources: "Protecting our water supply is a top priority for everyone," he said. He expressed satisfaction that this funding would enhance local infrastructure for clean drinking water.

Sellersville Borough is allocated nearly $2.3 million through a low-interest loan to address issues with an aging gravity sanitary sewer main that has been operational for over 65 years. The project includes replacing more than 5,800 feet of gravity sanitary sewer main on Lawn Avenue between Almont Road and Maple Avenue and involves installing new pipes and replacing manholes.

PENNVEST approved these funds at its board meeting today as part of its program providing loans and grants for various infrastructure projects related to drinking water distribution, stormwater conveyance, wastewater treatment, and collection systems.