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Allentown committee forwards Bill 99 to council to apply PFAS settlement funds to remediation
Summary
The Allentown City Public Works Committee voted to forward Bill 99, which would appropriate $3,125,825.97 from class‑action settlement proceeds tied to aqueous film‑forming foams to offset the cost of PFAS remediation systems; officials said the money is restricted to remediation but timing for rate relief is uncertain.
The Allentown City Public Works Committee voted to send Bill 99 to the regular council. The ordinance would amend the 2025 capital fund budget to appropriate $3,125,825.97 from class‑action settlement proceeds tied to aqueous film‑forming foams to offset costs for PFAS remediation systems.
Jenny McKenna, the committee’s subject‑matter expert, told councilors the funds represent money the city has received so far from litigation and that at least one defendant’s payments are expected to be spread over about 10 years. "This money is the money we've received so far," McKenna said, adding that the city has entered related suits against other manufacturers that have not been resolved.
McKenna said the settlement funds are restricted to remediation work. "Directly for that and only that," she said, noting there is an agreement the mayor signed that specifies the purpose. She said the broader remediation effort is roughly a $20,000,000 project over the next several years and that the settlement proceeds "will provide rate relief for the ratepayers directly" by helping offset project costs.
Committee members pressed for timing details. When asked how soon ratepayers might see reduced charges, McKenna said the city could not be certain of the schedule and estimated it likely would not begin to collect offsets for another roughly three years.
With the committee’s questions addressed, McKenna moved to forward Bill 99 to the regular council; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee chair said the item will proceed to the regular council meeting. The public works committee then adjourned.
