Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST)

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) provides financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans and grants to support the construction, improvement, and maintenance of drinking water, stormwater, and sewage treatment facilities. The program is designed to assist both publicly and privately owned systems in addressing water infrastructure needs. Additionally, PENNVEST funds projects related to non-point source pollution prevention, brownfield remediation, and homeowners’ septic system repairs or connections to public sewer systems. The program also includes an Advance Funding Program that offers low-interest loans to finance the design and engineering of water and wastewater management improvements. Eligible applicants for PENNVEST funding include municipalities, authorities, and private entities that own or operate a drinking water, wastewater, or non-point source pollution prevention project. The program supports comprehensive projects that serve single municipalities, multi-municipality regions, and even broader regional initiatives. Loans and grants are provided based on project necessity and impact on water quality and infrastructure sustainability. The funding limitations vary based on the project scope. Generally, the total assistance for a single project cannot exceed $11 million, with an increased cap of $20 million for projects serving multiple municipalities. The PENNVEST board, by a vote of at least nine members, has the discretion to approve loans exceeding $20 million for large-scale projects consolidating services across four or more municipalities. Stormwater projects are further limited to an award amount of either $1,000 per resident in the serviced municipality or a maximum of $10 million, whichever is lower. The application process for PENNVEST funding requires applicants to submit detailed project plans outlining the scope, environmental impact, and financial feasibility. Projects are evaluated based on criteria such as public health benefits, water quality improvements, and regional infrastructure enhancement. The program supports projects through different financial mechanisms, including grants, loans, and loan guarantees. Deadlines and specific funding cycles are not explicitly listed in the available information, so applicants are encouraged to check with the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) or the PENNVEST website for current timelines. Contact details for further inquiries include the general helpline at 866-466-3972. The program operates under the oversight of the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development and aligns with state priorities for infrastructure improvement and environmental protection.