ALLENTOWN, Oct. 16 – State Rep. Josh Siegel announced today $11,998,000 in state funding to replace lead service lines within the City of Allentown.

Siegel said the nearly $12 million will be used to replace lead service lines on the private side of 1,000 services within Allentown focusing on areas where the public side is a non-lead or non-galvanized material. The project will include third-party home inspections, material documentation, soft digs at a few locations, installation of new private-side service line and appurtenances, and risk mitigation management measures.

“The City of Allentown’s existing drinking water infrastructure was installed in the late 1800s and early 1900s and consists of lead and galvanized residential service lines. One thousand residential lines have been identified as needing replacement,” Siegel said. “By eliminating our communities’ exposure to lead from the service lines, replacing aging lead and galvanized pipes, the improvement of public drinking water quality to an environmental justice community, and meeting the regulatory requirements related to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule, we are benefitting the public health, infrastructure health, community health, and ensuring compliance with regulations.”

With the funding provided by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, commonly known as Pennvest, the Lehigh County Authority plans to begin work on the project on Aug. 1, 2025 with an anticipated completion date of July 1, 2026.

“I would be remiss if I did not thank my colleague in the Senate, Sen. Nick Miller, for his work in helping acquire this funding for our community and his continuous work in maximizing the quality of living here in Allentown and northeastern Pennsylvania in general,” Siegel said.

Of the funding, $5,660,930 is a low-interest loan, while the remaining amount, $6,337,070, does not require repayment. The interest rate of the 30-year loan is 1%.

Pennvest funds sewer, stormwater and drinking water improvement projects throughout the commonwealth via low-cost funds and grants. In addition to safeguarding the health of Pennsylvania residents, these projects improve the environment and provide opportunities for economic growth and employment.

House Democrats are committed to promoting better jobs, better schools and better communities. Putting people ahead of politics, House Democrats are leading the charge to lower taxes, help workers save for retirement, put more teachers in local schools, and make communities safer. More information on these successful efforts is at pahouse.com/deliveringforpa.

Information provided to TVL by:
Declan Shaffer
House Democratic Communications Office