PENNVEST Funding Opportunities

WIFTA PENNVEST Lead Line Replacement Initiative

The Water Infrastructure Funding Transfer Act (WIFTA) was signed into law on October 4, 2019, temporarily expanding the Clean Water to Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) transfer authority specifically to address lead-related threats to public health in drinking water. PENNVEST anticipates approximately $93 million may be subject to the SRF transfer and available in the form of principal forgiveness loans to address remediation of lead in drinking water in the Commonwealth.

Eligibility

Drinking water system or facility owners or operators are eligible to apply, provided they are otherwise authorized to make application under the PENNVEST Act. The system or facility may be privately or publically owned or operated.

Drinking water projects otherwise eligible under the PENNVEST Act with adequately mapped and designated lead line replacement areas are eligible. The replacement must be a full line replacement for both the public and private sides of laterals ending at the homeowner’s foundation to be eligible.

The deadline for this initiative will be February 3, 2021.

For more information about the program: https://www.pennvest.pa.gov/Information/Funding-Programs/Pages/Lead-Line-Replacement.aspx

PENNVEST Announces Small Project Initiative (SPI) Funding Program

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) board of directors recently approved a new funding opportunity for lower-cost water quality projects, allowing for accelerated funding approval. The Small Project Initiative (SPI) is available statewide and is designed to efficiently support repairs, short-term construction for water, wastewater, non-point source and stormwater improvements.

SPI funding is available for public or private entities with a maximum award amount of $500,000 in low-interest loan funding. Projects must address a service area of less than 12,000 people or incorporate less than 1,000 system hook-ups. The program allows PENNVEST staff to perform appropriate reviews and render a decision targeted at two weeks, rather than requiring approval at a quarterly board of directors meeting.

A more detailed explanation of the Small Project Initiative can be found at https://www.pennvest.pa.gov/Information/Funding-Programs/Pages/Small-Projects.aspx.