LOCK HAVEN — The City of Lock Haven was recently approved for roughly $1.24 million in a PennVEST loan and a nearly $2.9 million grant to improve its wastewater system, according to information released by State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Union) and Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) this week.

City Planner/Interim Manager Abbey Roberts said the funding from PennVEST will be used at the wastewater treatment plant.

“The improvements include new screens, replacement of the UV disinfection system, and the replacement of a major junction in the sewer collection system. This scope will keep the wastewater treatment plant operating effectively,” Roberts told The Express.

In total, the city has been awarded $4,140,000 for the project through grants and low interest loan funds, such as the one from PennVEST.

“We are grateful to receive 70 percent of the award, or $2,896,446, as grant funding that will not have to be repaid. The remaining 30 percent, or $1,243,554, was awarded as loan funding over a period of 30 years at a 1 percent interest rate,” Roberts said.

In a release, Borowicz noted how the PennVEST and grant funds would help increase efficiency for the municipality.

“This important funding will allow Lock Haven to make significant improvements that will increase the efficiency of its wastewater system, how it handles solid debris and the effectiveness of its disinfection process,” she said.

Dush emphasized the importance of these improvements to ensure a fundamental product is accessible.

“Clean, affordable and reliable drinking water is among the most fundamental needs of any community,” Dush said. “Securing this highly competitive PennVEST funding will cost-effectively maintain an economically responsible price ceiling for customers within the City of Lock Haven and surrounding communities.”

Roberts said the city plans to work quickly to turn funding into tangible improvements at the treatment plant. The project, she said, should be completed at the end of 2027.

She noted the city was also awarded $987,677 in additional low interest loan funding, bringing the total PennVEST funding to $9,787,677 to its Youngdale Well Field Development project.

“This project aims to establish additional wells to supply drinking water for water customers in the City of Lock Haven’s and Suburban Water Authority’s system and support supply during the rehabilitation project at Keller Reservoir,” she said. “This project will begin immediately following the loan closing with Pennvest and should also be completed by the end of 2027.”

Roberts noted these infrastructure-related projects are a result of partnerships between the city and multiple entities including Lock Haven City Authority, Suburban Water Authority, Central Clinton County Water Filtration Authority, as well as work from Gwin, Dobson & Foreman, the city’s engineer and city staff.

“All efforts to this point have made a path for significant improvements to the water and sewer systems that serve a region of customers in Clinton County,” Roberts said.