Bedford, Clearfield to get water money

BEDFORD - Bedford and Clearfield counties will receive several million dollars to make cleaner, more accessible water available to residents.

The money, in the form of loans and grants, was approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority and announced by Gov. Ed Rendell Monday. About $94 million will go toward 22 clean water projects in 20 counties.

The Bedford Township Municipal Authority will receive more than $2 million in loans for a project near the Omni Bedford Springs Resort.

Authority Chairman Owen Crist said the money will extend existing water and sewer lines near the resort's golf course.

The township learned of several customers in the area with failing septic systems about six months ago. The loans will go toward picking up those customers, Crist said.

''We're going to go down Sweet Root Road about a mile and a half to pick them all up,'' he said. ''There will be some people down there who will appreciate it.''

Crist said it is unknown when the project will begin and how long it will take.

''I don't know what all we can handle in one time,'' he said. ''We'll probably get it started just as soon as the weather permits.''

In Clearfield County, the BCI Municipal Authority received a $577,000 loan and a $298,000 grant to construct more than four miles of water distribution lines, providing service to customers of the Glen Hope Water Authority.

That authority is in periodic violation of safe drinking water regulations because of contamination. The project will mean about 20 new full-time jobs in the area.

A $5.8 million loan and $3.4 million grant were given to the Karthaus-Burnside Joint Sewer Authority to construct 2 miles of sewer mains and other facilities to serve 33 households with malfunctioning septic systems and contaminated wells.

''The critically needed water projects approved today will help Pennsylvania meet its public health and environmental challenges while creating construction jobs and permanent jobs in all corners of the state,'' Rendell said in a news release. ''Funding for these projects is another positive step to improve the environment and economic well-being of our communities and residents.''

For more information, visit www.pennvest.state.pa.us.

Mirror Staff Writer Wendy McCardle is at 946-7520.