HARRISBURG – Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) and Rep. Frank Burns (D-72) announced the approval of $22.1 million in state assistance for a critical water system improvement project in the Greater Johnstown region.
The Greater Johnstown Water Authority has been awarded a $22.1 million low-interest loan from PENNVEST.
The funding will be used to ensure the North Fork Reservoir can safely manage a probable maximum flood event. Planned upgrades include the installation of a roller-compacted concrete spillway, a new crest wall, a spillway cap, and auxiliary spillway training walls. Flood gates will also be added at the crest, along with other ancillary improvements to strengthen the reservoir’s overall flood resilience.
The Greater Johnstown Water Authority serves the City of Johnstown as well as portions of 16 other municipalities in Cambria and Somerset counties. Currently, the North Fork Reservoir is deemed a High Hazard Dam under state standards.
“Investing in critical water infrastructure upgrades is a matter of public safety, economic development, and responsible stewardship,” Langerholc said. “As a Board Member of PENNVEST, I’m pleased to see this funding support the replacement of outdated systems while ensuring local facilities meet modern standards without placing an undue burden on ratepayers.”
“This low-interest loan will help the Greater Johnstown Water Authority make improvements to the North Fork Reservoir dam to increase reliability of the water supply to the communities it serves, while also helping to ensure the dam can retain more water during significant rainfall events,” Burns said. “Additionally, this $22 million in state funding will ease the burden of the project on ratepayers.”
PENNVEST is an independent agency of the Commonwealth providing financial assistance to fund construction of drinking water, sewer and stormwater projects in communities throughout Pennsylvania. PENNVEST is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth. Langerholc serves on the PENNVEST board of directors.
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando (Langerholc)
Amy Hartman (Burns)