Westmoreland Review

The Latrobe Municipal Authority has been granted a low-interest loan of nearly $2.6 million by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant. Representative Leslie Rossi, serving Westmoreland County, made the announcement, emphasizing the importance of these improvements.

“Much of the existing equipment is old and nearing the end of its useful life,” Rossi stated. She further noted the crucial role of this loan in mitigating health risks associated with untreated or inadequately treated wastewater by facilitating much-needed upgrades.

The planned improvements will involve the replacement of key electrical components that are failing, including the main power switchgear of the plant, the distribution circuit breakers linked to the six motor control centers, and various frequency drives crucial for distributing power to the plant’s processing units. Additionally, repairs will address deteriorating concrete in the clarifier tunnel, worn wiring that is disconnected, and conduit suffering from rust.

PENNVEST, established in 1988, offers grants and low-interest loans for projects involving the design, engineering, and construction of water distribution and treatment facilities, as well as stormwater and wastewater systems. Further details regarding the PENNVEST program are available online.

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