The Linesville Pine Joint Municipal Authority will receive $10.6 million in state financing to help cover the costs to a major sewer plant project including construction of a new treatment plant, according to State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) and Representative John Evans (R-5).

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved a $4,796,459 grant and a $5,886,241 low-inter-est loan for the project, which involves the construction of a 480,000 gallon-per-day water treatment plant, four new pump stations, replacement of an existing pump station, installation of 71,000 feet of new sewer lines and repairs to of approximately 6,400 feet of sewers.

In addition to the PENNVEST financing, the project received a $5 million H20 PA grant in July. The project is necessary to provide problem resolution for the high rate of malfunctioning on-lot systems in Pine Township and hydraulic and organic overload conditions and permit violations at the existing Linesville Borough Sewage Treatment Plant.

“We definitely appreciate this PENNVEST financing. Without state support this project would be a tremendous financial burden on the municipal authority and its ratepayers. Linesville’s existing plant is extremely outdated, in poor condition and causing environmental concerns for the area,” Senator Robbins said. “The new treatment plant will address those problems. In addition, this project will provide new service to Pine Township which will eliminate malfunctioning on-lot septic systems that are leaking sewage into the environment.”

“This is an excellent investment by PENNVEST to improve safety and the overall quality of life for the people of Linesville and Pine Township,” said Representative Evans. “The area is under the scrutiny of the Department of Environmental Protection. This project will allow the municipal authority to take the necessary actions to correct the environmental problems plaguing the area.”

The plant is to be built in the South Mercer Street area of Linesville, across and down the road from St. Philip’s Church, in the pine tree area.

Monthly cost for sewer alone for customers on the system, most likely starting in mid or late 2010 is $50 to $55 a month. Water bills are separate.