Lancaster Council authorizes PEnvest application for wastewater treatment upgrades totaling $7.32 million

Lancaster City Council voted Oct. 28 to authorize the administration to file an application with the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PEnvest) for funding two wastewater‑treatment projects: replacement and redundancy upgrades to South Train screening equipment and upgrades to the chlorination facilities, including an emergency chlorine gas scrubber and generator.

Director Campbell said the total project cost is approximately $7,320,000 and that the City's share is roughly 53% of the total, or $3,877,000; partner municipalities would cover remaining shares. The first project, South Train screening improvements, was estimated at about $3,360,000 and would replace mechanical screening and handling equipment to provide increased capacity and redundancy and reduce operations costs. The second project, chlorination facilities improvements, was estimated at about $3,860,000 and would install an emergency chlorine gas scrubber, an emergency generator for the chlorination building, and control upgrades to protect the plant and surrounding community in the event of a chlorine gas leak.

Council discussed the mechanics of applying to PEnvest and clarified that PEnvest offers low‑interest loans rather than grants; Campbell noted that PEnvest historically provides the lowest interest rates available and that the city has experience with the application process. The resolution authorizes staff to submit the financial assistance application; the council approved the measure by unanimous roll call vote.

The authorization starts the application process; actual financing terms and final project funding shares will be determined during the PEnvest application and subsequent agreements.