HARRISBURG, July 14, 2009 – – State Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh) announced today that $508,276 in state grants will help fund water treatment projects in Armstrong County.

“Creating a better water supply system benefits the health of all individuals in this community,” Ferlo said.  “These funds are a great way to ensure the health and safety of our citizens, as well as save the county valuable dollars by making projects like this a reality.”

Apollo Borough will receive $28,276 for a Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project. The project involves the separation of storm and waste water sewer lines or combined sewers overflows through the construction of new sanitary sewer lines throughout the Borough of Apollo that currently serves 856 residential customers. Existing Water Quality Management Permits are in place. CSO long-term control plan letters are in place. The project will reduce storm water discharge and treatment costs for the Kiski Valley Water Pollution Control Authority.

Ferlo added that this funding is in addition to a $7,044,510 Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) grant Apollo Borough received in April for this project.

The Municipal Authority of Buffalo Township received a $480,000 grant to replace the existing water treatment plant and 18,000 feet of aging waterline in Freeport Borough, Armstrong County.

The loans were provided by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) as a part of the H20 PA Act, a state program designed to assist municipalities and authorities in paying for repairs to their water, sewer, and flood control systems. The law is funded with revenue from the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund.

“In addition to property tax relief, it pleases me to see revenues from the gaming industry going to a worthy cause such as this,” Ferlo said.  “It is my hope that this region will positively benefit from the impact of gaming funds for years to come.”

The CFA’s board approved the loan today at its meeting in Harrisburg.