Allegheny County – April 15, 2026 – Today, Senators Wayne Fontana and Jay Costa announce that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) awarded a loan of $21,770,999 to Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) for a water main replacement project that will serve residents of their districts.
“I am proud to announce this substantial state investment into our neighborhoods,” said Senator Fontana. “Replacing our aging water and sewer infrastructure with newer, safer pipes continues to be a priority of mine and this project is another major step towards that goal. When my legislation to allow local municipal authorities to access state funding for waterline and sewer repairs became law in 2017, this is exactly the kind of investment we wanted to see.”
“Today’s PENNVEST loan will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of residents of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, ensuring they have reliable access to clean, safe drinking water,” said Senator Costa. “Residents of the 42nd and 43rd Senatorial Districts can rest assured that the Pennsylvania government is making a difference in their lives by financing projects that improve our quality of life in a tangible way. I look forward to seeing these dollars get to work very shortly.”
PWSA’s 2025 small diameter water main replacement project includes the replacement of aging 4-inch to 16-inch diameter pipes with new zinc-coated ductile iron pipes ranging from 4 to 24 inches. Water mains, valves, fire hydrants, and water service lines will be replaced. Water mains were selected for replacement based on a number of risk-factors, prioritized by being undersized, having a history of breaks, and the presence of lead. This project area includes the East Allegheny, Spring Hill, and Hill District areas of the City of Pittsburgh.
- FINANCIAL IMPACT: This is an existing system and serves 70,061 residential customers with a population of 303,255. The population impacted by this project has a median household income level below the state median household income level. Without the extended term on their PENNVEST loan of $21,770,999, user fees would expect to increase by an additional 40 percent. The PENNVEST low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of $12,188,701 over the life of the loan.
- INFRASTRUCTURE HEALTH: This project will assist the Authority with addressing the system’s water loss of 64.4 percent.
- SOURCE WATER PROTECTION: This water system has a Source Water Protection Plan approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to thriving communities for every Pennsylvanian here.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – April 15, 2026 − Today, the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) held a Board Meeting to award loan and grant funding for the latest round of applicants.
Together, Senators Jay Costa, Lindsey Williams, and Wayne Fontana announce that The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority was awarded a loan of $53,895,600. This funding will be used to rehabilitate small diameter and large diameter sewer mains through trenchless methods to restore structural integrity, reduce root intrusion, and reduce infiltration and inflow. The Projects also include excavation/manhole repairs as required and pre/post construction closed-circuit television inspections. This Programmatic Financing project will happen over three phases and include sewer rehabilitation in the Hazelwood, Bon Air, Stanton Heights, Overbrook, Chateau, Larimer, Swisshelm Park, Carrick, and Allegheny West areas of the City of Pittsburgh.
- FINANCIAL IMPACT: This is an existing system and serves 104,017 residential customerswith a population of 303,255. The population impacted by this project has a median household income level below the state median household income level. Without the PENNVEST loan of $53,895,600, user fees would expect to increase by an additional 70 percent. The PENNVEST low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of $16,202,005 over the life of the loan.
- PUBLIC HEALTH: This project will result in reduced downstream wet weather sewage overflows.
- AQUATIC HEALTH: Wet weather sewage overflows will be reduced from flowing into nearby waterways.
- INFRASTRUCTURE HEALTH: Existing sanitary sewers that have reached the end of useful life will be rehabilitated.
- COMPLIANCE: This project is in accordance with a Corrective Action Plan approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, with sewer tap allocation plan dated August 14, 2015.
“I am pleased to be announcing today’s PENNVEST award, ensuring that residents of Allegheny County have safe, clean water when they turn on the tap,” said Senator Costa. “Delivering tangible projects that meaningfully improve the lives of working families is just one more way that state government is doing great work for every Pennsylvanian. I look forward to seeing these dollars get put to work in the very near future.”
“Our aging sewer system causes sinkholes, sewage backups, and waterline breaks,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “I’m glad to support this state investment that will allow Pittsburgh Water to make infrastructure upgrades where they are most needed and can make the most difference in the lives of our residents, without passing on the costs to ratepayers.”
“The replacement of our area’s aging water infrastructure is a continuing priority of mine and I was proud to support this major state investment into our communities,” said Senator Wayne Fontana.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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McKees Rocks − September 16, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine housing affordability and seeking solutions to a growing issue across Pennsylvania.
“Housing affordability continues to be a major issue across Pennsylvania,” said Senator Miller. “I understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the housing crisis impacting our region and beyond. However, as a Commonwealth, we have the opportunity to lead the conversation and showcase our dedication to accessible and independent housing for our community members, allowing individuals to stay in their homes and enjoy the freedom to live comfortably.”
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“Every family who calls Pennsylvania home deserves a safe, affordable place to live and make memories,” said Senate Democratic Leader Costa. “Senate Democrats have been laser-focused on delivering on this core value, working across the aisle to provide working families with the tools, funding, and protections they need to secure a safe home they can afford. I am always delighted to convene leaders in the housing space to discuss strategies for creating more affordable housing, and I look forward to working alongside them as we work to achieve homes for every Pennsylvanian.”
“Too many Pennsylvanians are forced to choose between paying rent and meeting other basic needs,” said Senator Pisciottano. “This lack of affordable housing is holding back families, workers, and employers across our Commonwealth, and we must advance real solutions to ensure our communities, and our economy can thrive.”
“I’m grateful to today’s testifiers for highlighting the need for more paths to affordable homeownership,” said Senator Williams. “Corporate greed has made this path harder for so many Pennsylvanians, as out-of-state landlords buy up properties in what were once affordable neighborhoods. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable home to live in and I look forward to working with my colleagues on policy that will make homeownership more attainable.”
“Increasing the availability of affordable housing is key to Western Pennsylvania’s growth and competitiveness moving forward,” said Senator Fontana. “We have several tools at our disposal to address housing affordability in our region and today’s hearing illustrated the importance of all levels of government working with our community-based partners to effectively utilize them.”
Jason Tigano, Founder and CEO of LEVEL: Equity Building (LEVEL), explained the long-term solutions he has identified with his organization.
“As you know, quality affordable homeownership is one of our nation’s greatest challenges. Strong communities begin with stable residents who are invested in their neighborhoods,” said Tigano. “LEVEL is the long-term solution to creating a pathway for hardworking Pennsylvanians to attain the American Dream of owning their own home.”
Tigano stated in his testimony, “LEVEL prepares communities, homeowners, and homes together. We make affordable homeownership attainable to ensure generational stability and prosperity for neighborhoods and those who live in them.”
Rich Stephenson, Executive Director of the Allegheny County Housing Authority, provided insights into the affordable housing landscape and ongoing initiatives within Allegheny County. In addition, Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy for the Office of the Allegheny County Executive, discussed the “500 in 500” initiative, which was launched in June 2024. This initiative aims to assist individuals experiencing homelessness by creating 500 affordable housing units within a span of 500 days in Allegheny County.
Further testimony emphasized the several tools Pennsylvania has to its disposal to address housing affordability and the recommendations from testifiers to help with growing issue in Pennsylvania.
Testimony
- Rich Stephenson, Executive Director – Allegheny County Housing Authority
- Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy – Office of Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
- James Eash, Real Estate Director – Action Housing
- Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr., President & CEO – Greater Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity
- Jason Tigano, CEO – LEVEL: Equity Building
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his tenth as Chair.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to providing access to affordable and health housing at www.pasenate.com.
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Testimony
Download Agenda
Allegheny County’s Outlook and Efforts
- Rich Stephenson, Executive Director – Allegheny County Housing Authority
- Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy – Office of Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
Community Based Solutions and Actions
James Eash, Real Estate Director – Action Housing
PITTSBURGH, PA − April 15, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine the needs of regional mass transit systems and assess ways to ensure that their benefits remain accessible to residents and local businesses in Pennsylvania.
“Across our Commonwealth, we have noticed a rising mass transit funding crisis characterized by substantial cuts in services due to budget limitations. Consequently, we are jeopardizing the daily lives of our residents who depend on public transportation to get to work, visit friends and loved ones, and traverse these regions for everyday needs,” said Senator Miller. “Though today’s hearing focused on Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, we are seeing reduction in access to transit in every corner of the commonwealth, including rural and suburban areas. In my district, Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) has also been impacted by this crisis and recently reduced services. Today’s hearing highlights the importance of collaboration to identify a solution that ensures our mass transit systems remain accessible to all residents, regardless of age or ability.”
“Today’s hearing was a critical step in understanding the work before us in delivering excellent public transit for every Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for all the testifiers who shared their knowledge and expertise with us,” said Senator Costa. “Public transit is critical infrastructure for our students, our seniors, our workers, our tourists, our disabled friends and neighbors, our parents, and our climate. While providing essential services to riders, public transit also fuels our region’s economy by connecting workers to workplaces, improving access to family sustaining jobs and providing workforce needs for employers. I look forward to making progress in this critical space together as we move forward.”
“Public transportation is an essential asset to communities across the commonwealth, including here in Western Pennsylvania where transit authorities serve residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Senator Fontana. “It is incumbent upon us to ensure long-term sustainability of our transit systems so that we not again facing drastic cuts to the services so many our constituents depend upon.”
“As a new member of the PRT board and the State Senator representing the region of Allegheny County with the most service cuts since 2013, I am committed to finding a long-term funding solution for our public transit system to not only keep it alive, but for it to thrive,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “Our people, our workforce, and the future economic prosperity of Pennsylvania depends on access to transportation. I’m grateful to today’s testifiers, who represented the senior and disabled communities and our region’s largest employers and clearly communicated the dire need for a funded system of public transportation.”
“We need to think boldly about the future of transportation in Allegheny County and across Pennsylvania,” said Senator Pisciottano. “We are actively working with state and local leaders to explore solutions that address the current funding gaps and prevent harmful service cuts, including advocating for sustainable, long-term investments in public transit to support riders and ensure equitable service. By making smart investments today, we can build a transit system that serves our communities for generations to come.”
Katharine Kellman, CEO of Pittsburgh Regional Transit, stated the importance of finding a funding solution that will avoid service disruptions and economic setbacks.
“If we don’t come together and identify a lasting solution, the fiscal cliff transit agencies across Pennsylvania face ultimately will make it harder to support economic opportunities, attract and retain employees, and support the social and business needs of our Commonwealth,” said Katharine Kellman. “Transit is not and should not be an optional priority—it is a foundational one.”
Michael Carroll, Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), highlighted their commitment to strengthening the public transportation system through continued collaboration, innovation, and strategic investments.
“Across Pennsylvania, 53 public transit agencies deliver millions of trips every year—supporting mobility in every one of our 67 counties. In rural areas, small towns, and cities like Pittsburgh, transit is a daily necessity,” said Michael Carroll. “In fact, outside the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions, over 45,000 trips occur every day, keeping tens of thousands of cars off our roads and reducing congestion and emissions.”
Kendra Ross, Head of Social Impact at Duolingo, expressed concerns amongst the growing workforce in Pittsburgh.
“We’re fortunate to be well-served by PRT today and we hope that that can continue. The proposed service cuts will directly impact us as well as many other businesses in our community, with several lines in East Liberty set to be cut or significantly scaled back,” said Kendra Ross. “It’s been a topic of significant concern among our workforce; I have heard from many of our employees, worried about what this will mean for their commute.”
Lauren Poskin, the Executive Director of Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, emphasized the need to invest in public transit for the community’s well-being, economy, and quality of life.
“Transportation avoids institutionalization, which is both extremely costly and not what people want,” said Lauren Poskin. “People want to age in community. Both from the human and fiscal perspectives, this is an investment we can’t afford not to make.”
The panelists for today’s hearing included:
- Michael Carroll, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
- Donminika Brown, Chief Financial Officer, Pittsburgh Regional Transit
- Katherine Kelleman, CEO, Pittsburgh Regional Transit
- Ross Nicotero, President Business Manager, A.T.U. Local 85
- Dan Yablonsky, Digital Organizing Director, Pittsburghers for Public Transit
- Laura Poskin, Executive Director, Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh
- Kendra Ross, Head of Social Impact, Duolingo
- Vic Vercammen, Vice President, Safety, Regulatory & Government Affairs, Giant Eagle, Inc
- Dr. Mark Rubino, President, Allegheny Health Network Forbes and Allegheny Valley Hospitals
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his fifth as Chair.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to protecting our commonwealth’s healthcare needs and other legislative priorities at www.pasenate.com.
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Testimony
Panel 1: The Commonwealth’s Outlook
Panel 2: The State of Pittsburgh Regional Transit
Panel 3: Community Impacts
Panel 4: Regional Economic Effect
Additional Testimony
Harrisburg, PA − April 2, 2025 − Senate Democrats held a press conference on Wednesday to kick off Fair Housing Month, observed nationally every April, and call for state action on Housing.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa was joined by Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes, Senator Wayne Fontana, Senator Tim Kearney, Senator Sharif Street, Senator Tim Kane, Senator Lindsey Williams, Senator Maria Collett, and Senator Amanda Cappelletti. Senator-elect James Malone, the first Democrat to represent Lancaster in the State Senate since 1889, also joined the press conference.
“Senate Democrats have long prioritized delivering safe, affordable homes for every Pennsylvanian, and we are here today to renew that commitment to the people of Pennsylvania amid federal chaos,” said Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “We are committed to delivering for working families by ensuring that they can raise their children in a safe home they can afford right here in Pennsylvania.”
National Fair Housing Month celebrates the passage of the Fair Housing Act, a national law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, and gender. The Act was passed in 1968 and amended in 1988 to include protections for people with disabilities and families with children. However, the current presidential administration has begun to roll back the incredible progress of the Fair Housing Act and has terminated grants to organizations that enforce the Fair Housing Act nationwide.
“For the PA Senate Democratic caucus, housing discrimination is not acceptable,” said Senator Hughes. “We will do whatever we have to do to make sure housing is a right that is available to everyone, no matter who you are, where you come from, what your background is, or who you love.”
A few weeks ago, Senator Hughes protested the freezing of federal dollars to an organization in his district to enforce the Fair Housing Act at the behest of President Trump and Elon Musk.
“As lawmakers, we have a duty to build on the foundation laid by the Fair Housing Act with responsive, forward-looking policies that meet today’s challenges,” said Senator Cappelletti. “While we may not be able to eliminate every obstacle Pennsylvanians face, we have a responsibility to pass meaningful legislation that eases their burdens.”
During the conference, members of the Senate Democratic Caucus discussed the importance of protecting the progress made by the Fair Housing Act and discussed ways to keep up the momentum on the state level, from zoning reform to eviction sealing to repairing our aging housing stock to building more new affordable housing.
“As a realtor by trade, I am proud to recognize Fair Housing Month and the public, private, and non-profit organizations that work tirelessly to ensure access to safe and affordable housing to any person who wants it,” said Senator Wayne Fontana. “Equitable access to affordable housing benefits our entire commonwealth. Now more than ever, it is important that we all work to ensure the guarantee of the Fair Housing Act is fulfilled in the commonwealth.”
The 2024-25 Pennsylvania Budget included a number of important investments in the housing space, including $70M for the PHARE Affordable Housing Program, $2.5M for new Local Government Emergency Housing Support, over $23.4M for Homelessness Assistance, a $2.5M increase for Domestic Violence programs and services, and a $2.5M increase for Legal Services programs.
“Ending discrimination in housing means ending exclusionary local zoning regulations that make affordable and accessible housing all but illegal in too many towns across PA,” said Senator Tim Kearney. “We need all municipalities to allow for housing types the average Pennsylvanian can afford, and we need the state to lead our communities because the housing crisis is affecting all of us.”
Photographs and video footage of today’s press conference are available upon request.
Learn more about the Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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