Pittsburgh, PA − July 21, 2022 – Pennsylvania State Senators from Allegheny County including Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Senator Wayne Fontana and Senator Lindsey Williams announced a $200+ million dollar loan for the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) awarded by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
“I’m thrilled to see PENNVEST support the infrastructure of Pittsburgh’s drinking water in such a substantial way,” said Senator Cota. “These funds support PWSA’s plan to modernize a key function of our area and ultimately prioritize the continuous accessibility of clean water to every resident and visitor of Allegheny County.”
The PENNVEST loan of $209,005,329 will be used to support PWSA’s Water Reliability Plan, an effort to modernize and improve the region’s water system. According to PWSA, the plan will take about six years and invest nearly $470 million in large-scale water improvement projects which include replacing a 114-year-old clearwell and reducing contaminant infiltration at the Highland No. 2 Reservoir.
“This loan will support once-in-a-generation upgrades to water infrastructure in Allegheny County,” said Senator Fontana. “There’s too many examples of the harm and damage that can occur when we let infrastructure needs go unmet and then scramble to fix the problem after it’s too late. PWSA’s plan gets us ahead of that scenario. The thoughtful effort to make their system more modern, reliable, and sustainable will ensure that residents always have access to clean drinking water.”
“Investing in the water infrastructure of our region is a huge priority for me, so it’s wonderful to see the largest loan in PENNVEST history go to PWSA to rehabilitate and replace the facility at Highland No.2 Reservoir,” said Senator Williams. “Ensuring that we have clean, safe drinking water without imposing rate hikes is absolutely crucial, especially as inflation and rising utility costs impact working families.”
In addition to improving the reliability and long-term sustainability of Pittsburgh’s water system, the project will also address a Department of Environmental Protection Consent Order and Agreement to maintain the volume, quality, and disinfection of the system’s water.
PENNVEST serves communities and citizens of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects. These projects not only contribute to improving Pennsylvania’s environment and the health of its people, but also provide opportunities for economic growth and jobs for Pennsylvania’s workers. More information is available on the PENNVEST website: https://www.pennvest.pa.gov.
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Harrisburg, PA – June 7, 2022 – Today, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats filed six discharge resolutions in an effort to move anti-gun violence and reform legislation to the floor of the State Senate for a vote. While Senate Republicans have moved bills that would make guns more accessible and make it harder for municipalities to address gun violence, bills from Senate Democrats that would strengthen gun safety in the Commonwealth have been stalled in committee.
Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa issued the following statement on the latest attempt from Senate Democrats to address the serious gun violence problem that exists in Pennsylvania and across the country:
“Every day we hear about more gun deaths – just this weekend there was a mass shooting on South Street in Philadelphia – yet the majority does nothing. Yes, multiple solutions are needed to solve the gun violence epidemic. Part of that is passing common sense gun laws that don’t impede on Second Amendment rights but improve our systems to ensure only responsible gun owners have access to firearms. We must protect our communities, and we must act now.
Our caucus has done everything within our power to move forward legislation that would directly address gaps in our law that make guns accessible to individuals who are a threat to others or themselves, yet the majority in Harrisburg hasn’t moved one single anti-gun violence bill out of committee. The six discharge resolutions give our Republican colleagues another opportunity to act in the best interest of their constituents and our Commonwealth.
It’s tragic and horrifying to think in the wake of multiple mass shootings across the country and the ongoing gun violence epidemic being felt in communities throughout Pennsylvania, that we’d continue to do nothing. It’s far past time we stop sending thoughts and prayers, and instead take action.”
The discharge resolutions were filed for the following bills:
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HARRISBURG – May 25, 2022 – Today, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats wrote the following letter to Republican leaders in response to rampant gun violence and mass shootings that have become too common in the United States. Just this year, 215 mass shootings have taken place in the country, with the devastating shooting that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022, being the 215th.
In the letter, the caucus calls on the Republican majority to act on “reasonable and responsible legislation and appropriations” that does not infringe on Second Amendment rights but will help keep guns away from bad actors and support gun violence prevention. Senate Democrats list seven bills that have been introduced to mitigate gun violence but have sat in committee with no discussion or votes. They also highlight how American Rescue Plan dollars and Pennsylvania’s current budget surplus can be used to help communities prevent horrific violence.
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Allegheny County – July 23, 2021 – Today, Pennsylvania State Senators from Allegheny County including Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Senator Wayne Fontana and Senator Lindsey Williams announced the approval of a $23,970,000 loan for the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
“This investment strengthens the overall infrastructure of our city. Well maintained systems eliminate overflows into waterways, mitigate against sinkholes, and allow for the proper funneling of sewage and stormwater away from where we live and work. It may not always be top of mind for residents, but the functionality of our sewer systems ensures the functionality of our cities,” said Senator Costa.
The loan will be used to replace and rehabilitate approximately 22 miles of wastewater collection lines in an existing system that serves 81,958 residential customers. The collection lines run through Homewood, Squirrel Hill, Maytide, Marshall-Shadeland, Spring Garden and Highland Park.
“This funding will continue the modernization of the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Improved infrastructure lowers the odds of service interruptions, water quality issues, and steep customer rate hikes,” said Senator Fontana.
“Residents in these neighborhoods have experienced significant problems caused by sinkholes, sewage backups, and waterline breaks,” said Senator Williams. “I’m glad to see PWSA and PENNVEST prioritizing investment in infrastructure where it is most needed and can make the most difference in the lives of our residents.”
PENNVEST serves communities and citizens of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects. These projects not only contribute to improving Pennsylvania’s environment and the health of its people, but also provide opportunities for economic growth and jobs for Pennsylvania’s workers. More information is available on the PENNVEST website: https://www.pennvest.pa.gov.
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Allegheny County – July 7, 2021 – Today, Pennsylvania State Senators from Allegheny County including Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Sen. Wayne Fontana and Sen. Lindsey Williams announced $628,880 in state grants have been awarded to the area for traffic signal and equipment improvements. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT’s) “Green Light-Go” program to support the modernization of traffic equipment throughout the state.
“New, higher tech traffic signaling improves safety for travelers whether they’re in a car, bike or on foot. The grants coming to Allegheny County in this round of Green Light Go will help the City of Pittsburgh and Edgewood make critical upgrades, and I was happy to support their application and award,” said Senator Costa
Three grants will support projects in the county:
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- $230,144 for traffic signal modernization upgrades at Race Street and Pennwood Avenue in Edgewood
- $132,000 for an East End Signal Retiming project in Pittsburgh
- $266,736 for a Fiber Network Expansion project in Pittsburgh that will improve communications and connections back to traffic management
“I applaud PennDOT’s investment in the City of Pittsburgh’s critical infrastructure. Traffic signal modernization means safer roads and reduced congestion,” Senator Fontana said.
“I’m happy to see critical infrastructure projects being funded across Pittsburgh that will allow improved traffic management. Better traffic flow will lead to less wear and tear on our roads and to safer travel conditions for all road users, including drivers, bike riders, and pedestrians,” said Senator Lindsey Williams.
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