Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST)

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, provides critical financial assistance to address infrastructure needs related to water quality and pollution prevention across Pennsylvania. PENNVEST was created to improve environmental and public health outcomes through the development and rehabilitation of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The program is grounded in the Commonwealth's broader objective to support sustainable community development and environmental stewardship by facilitating infrastructure investment that directly benefits residents and the environment. The PENNVEST program offers low-interest loans and grants for a wide array of water-related infrastructure projects. These include new construction or improvements to drinking water and sewage treatment facilities, as well as stormwater management systems. Funding is available to both publicly and privately owned entities that operate such systems. In addition to core infrastructure, PENNVEST also supports non-point source pollution control through best management practices and funds the remediation of brownfields. The program also includes provisions for individual homeowners to receive loans for the repair or replacement of failing on-lot septic systems or to connect to public sewer systems for the first time. Eligibility for PENNVEST assistance extends to municipalities, municipal authorities, and private entities that own or operate eligible projects. The program emphasizes inclusive access to ensure that communities of various sizes and capacities can apply. Specific eligibility details are based on the type and ownership of the proposed infrastructure improvements. Projects must be located in Pennsylvania and meet environmental and public health objectives as set forth by the program guidelines. The financial structure of the program caps most awards at $11,000,000 for single-municipality projects and $20,000,000 for projects serving multiple municipalities. However, the PENNVEST Board retains discretion to approve funding beyond this limit for comprehensive regional projects involving four or more municipalities. For stormwater-specific projects, funding is limited to the lesser of $1,000 per resident served or $10,000,000 total. Additionally, PENNVEST operates an Advance Funding Program, which provides low-interest loans for design and engineering work necessary to prepare for full-scale system upgrades. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis, meaning submissions are reviewed and evaluated throughout the year rather than tied to a specific deadline. This allows flexibility for applicants to prepare and submit their proposals when ready. Each application undergoes a rigorous evaluation process to assess public health and environmental benefits, project readiness, and financial feasibility. While the application portal and timeline details are not explicitly provided in the summary, applicants are encouraged to contact PENNVEST staff directly for further guidance. For more information or assistance, interested parties can reach the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development by calling 866.466.3972. While no direct email or named contact is listed, general inquiries can be routed through the department’s website or public contact channels. Applicants are advised to verify project-specific requirements and confirm documentation needs directly with the administering authority to ensure successful submission and compliance with program expectations.