By Tom Williams, Pennsylvania State Director, USDA Rural Development
I joined Congressman Mark Critz (PA-12th), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other state and local officials this week to celebrate a long-awaited groundbreaking for Pegasus Sewer Authority in Johnstown. Thanks to the teamwork of federal, state and local agencies, the maximum amount of government funding was utilized for the project, allowing hundreds of rural residents in Conemaugh and Richland Townships to benefit from the $21.3 million sewer extension project while keeping their monthly sewer bills affordable. This public sewer access will allow for residential and commercial growth in the rural communities.
USDA Rural Development is providing Recovery Act funding in the amount of $14,832,000. The project will add new users and remove health and safety hazards from malfunctioning on-lot sewage disposal systems. The three phase project is officially underway and will include the installation of more than 125,000 feet of main lines and the elimination of three pumping stations.
The improvements made by the Pegasus Sewer Project is a fine example of how Rural Development Recovery Act funds for water and environmental projects are helping residents experience a better quality of life while also protecting the environment in rural areas.