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. Funding was approved for two projects in Lehigh and Northampton counties.
“Modernizing our water infrastructure is critical to protecting public health, and I’m proud to support the replacement of outdated lead service lines to deliver clean, safe drinking water to residents,” said Senator Nick Miller. “This investment also equips the Borough of Bath with the resources to reduce flooding and erosion, while capturing pollutants before they reach our local streams. With systems dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, these upgrades will strengthen reliability, improve water quality, and help prevent higher costs for residents. These projects safeguard our communities and support a healthier future for generations to come.”
“This funding announcement is so important for residents of Allentown,” said Representative Schlossberg. “LCA is trying to make homes safe without increasing rates and burdening residents of Allentown. PENNVEST’s funding announcement takes a huge burden off residents who would otherwise bear the costs with higher water and sewer bills. I am proud of the work LCA is doing and that Senator Miller, Representative Schweyer, Representative Tiburcio and I can lend our support for this funding.”
“I am always pleased to work with my colleagues to secure funding that has a broad impact on our community,” said Representative Schweyer. “It is important to address the outdated infrastructure to address public health safety concerns and bring our water system in to the 21st century. This funding will have a significant impact on the cost of the work necessary to move forward with the pipe replacement project.”
“I am thrilled to announce the funding for this needed project, as the existing infrastructure was installed in the late 1800s and early 1900s and consists of lead and galvanized pipes,” said Representative Tiburcio. “The replacement of these lead service lines will eliminate this public health hazard for these residents while also preventing an increase in residential user fees.”
Investments Include:
$15,440,000 – Lehigh County Authority
$8,173,780 loan, and $7,266,220 grant
- Replaces 1,000 lead service lines (public and private) in Allentown census tracts 0700, 0800, 1900, 2100, and 9700.
- Includes service line investigations, new line installations, and site restoration.
- Low-interest loan provides $3.87 million in grant-equivalent savings.
- Without a $7.27 million PENNVEST grant, residential fees would increase.
$1,045,000 – Bath Borough Stormwater Authority
- Converts two dry extended basins on Spyglass Hill Road and installs a rain garden on Broad Street.
- Results in 35,687 pounds of sediment reduction annually.
- Low-interest loan provides $349,704 in grant-equivalent savings.
- Supports a new stormwater authority serving 855 households, with no rate increases expected.
After the lead service line replacements are completed in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania American Water Company will provide each customer with a certified pitcher filter and six months of replacement cartridges. In Bath, the project will create direct water quality benefit, which will result in an annual sediment reduction of 35,687 pounds.
PENNVEST’s mission is to fund projects that improve water quality, protect public health, support environmental safety, and promote economic development.
The PENNVEST Board of Directors meet quarterly to vote on the approval to fund project applications submitted by each meeting’s application cut-off date.
This follows Senator Miller’s previous announcement of $12 million in PENNVEST funding for Lehigh County Authority in 2024 to replace approximately 1,000 lead services lines in the city of Allentown.
For more information, please visit PASenatorMiller.com.
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