Dauphin News

Richland Borough is set to receive significant state funding for the replacement of its aging water storage tank. Senator Chris Gebhard announced that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved a $4.1 million low-interest loan for this purpose.

The current water storage facility in Richland Borough has been facing issues with inconsistent water pressure and is deemed to have reached the end of its operational life. "The current water storage tank makes water service unreliable for the communities serviced by the borough. There are also health risks associated with leaking or failure of the tank," stated Gebhard. He emphasized, "Ensuring that the state’s infrastructure is operational is a key function of government, and I’m pleased that this funding is dedicated to that purpose."

The planned project includes installing a 500,000-gallon elevated water storage tank, along with interconnect piping, instrumentation, controls, communication systems, a tank mixing system, surface and electrical work, including an emergency generator. Once the new tank becomes operational, the old one will be decommissioned.

Construction is scheduled to start in April and is expected to be completed by August 2026. The PENNVEST loan will effectively include nearly $1.2 million as a grant-equivalent over its duration. Additionally, a $1 million grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development complements the loan to cover all project costs.

The approval for this funding was given during PENNVEST's board meeting today. PENNVEST provides financial support through loans and grants for developing drinking water distribution facilities and related infrastructure projects.