Upper Bucks Today

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

The Perkasie Regional Authority is set to benefit from a low-interest loan exceeding $668,000 and a grant of almost $3.2 million. These funds will be used to enhance water quality by employing granular-activated carbon to tackle per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The project includes constructing a building for treating two wells, which will complement existing granular-activated carbon filter vessels for PFAS removal.

“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,” Coleman said. “I’m pleased to see this funding being used wisely.”

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

“Protecting our water supply is a top priority for everyone,” Staats commented. “I’m glad this funding will give our area additional infrastructure to make sure our residents have clean, safe drinking water.”

Sellersville Borough will utilize nearly $2.3 million in a low-interest loan to rectify issues with a gravity sanitary sewer main that has been operational for more than 65 years. This main suffers from significant infiltration and inflow during rain, and video inspections revealed pipe sags, leaking joints, and lateral break-ins. The loan is expected to provide a grant-equivalent of approximately $638,000 across its lifespan. The project includes replacing over 5,800 feet of eight-inch and 10-inch gravity sanitary sewer main along Lawn Avenue and replacing 29 manholes.

PENNVEST approved this funding during its recent board meeting. The PENNVEST Program typically supports the design, engineering, and construction of vital water infrastructure through low-interest loans and grants.