HARRISBURG, Pa. – Venango County has been awarded a low-interest loan for rehabilitation of its sewer system, as well as further construction, according to Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Butler) and Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Butler/Clarion/Forest/Venango/Warren).

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) loan of $4.3 million will be used to construct approximately 13,000 feet of eight-inch sanitary sewer pipe, construct 3,000 feet of 12-inch sanitary sewer pipe, rehabilitate 4,500 feet of existing 8-inch trenchless sanitary sewer pipe, place 500 feet of 16- to 24-inch sewer pipe via horizontal boring, place 80 manholes that include self-sealing manhole frames and covers, and install 3,200 feet of 6-inch service laterals.

“Securing this very affordable loan for necessary improvements and developments would always be important, but it’s especially critical now, when so many people are struggling financially because of how the pandemic has been handled in the Commonwealth,” James said. “This low-interest loan reduces the burden that may have been passed to customers or taxpayers.”

The PENNVEST board approved the loan today at 1% interest rate for the full 20 years of the loan term.

“This is certainly welcome news for the citizens of Franklin and its surrounding communities,” said Hutchinson. “The wastewater system serves more than 2,500 households, and rate increases are not expected to be necessary with this financial support from the Commonwealth.”

PENNVEST funds sewer, storm water and drinking water projects throughout the Commonwealth through low-interest loans and grants.