Bethlehem (April 24, 2024)  – – State Senator Lisa Boscola announced today that PENNVEST has approved a total of $7,611,727 in state investment for projects by the Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority (BTMA) and the Bangor Borough Sewer Authority for improvements in stormwater retention and upgrades to a wastewater treatment plant.

“This PENNVEST funding will enable the Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority to continue its to work to prevent significant and dangerous flooding in Bethlehem Township from the Nancy Run through upgrades and retrofits to three retention basins and the construction a fourth basin,” Boscola stated.  “It will also allow the Bangor Borough Sewer Authority to make critically needed upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant and collection and conveyance system that will result in the reduction in untreated flow into the Borough’s waterways and specifically Martin’s Creek.  This is another important example of the Commonwealth partnering with local authorities to assist with critically important environmental and public safety projects.”

The Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority was approved for a low interest loan in the amount of $5,517,000.  The Easton Avenue Stormwater Mitigation Project will allow the Authority to make green Project infrastructure improvements including upgrades and retrofits to three stormwater detention basins and construction of a fourth stormwater detention basin. All basins are intended to function as water-quality bioretention facilities with additional water storage capacity. Construction of these facilities will minimize flood frequency and reduce pollutant loads to impaired waterways.

The Bangor Borough Sewer Authority was approved for a low interest loan of $2,094,727.  The Authority’s Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project includes upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant include adding a new equalization tank to ensure proper treatment during wet weather flows, replacing the control and monitoring system to allow for real-time operational monitoring, replacing the existing screen screw system, installing an effluent flow meter, and replacing the headworks pump.  Upgrades to the collection system include replacing a pump station and 12,000 feet of sewer main to address inflow and infiltration.

Established in 1988, PENNVEST provides funding for sewer, storm water and drinking water projects.

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