Altoona Times

State Sen. Judy Ward and Representative Lou Schmitt have revealed that $7.5 million in state funding has been allocated for a waterline replacement project in Altoona. The project aims to replace 15,000 feet of cast-iron waterline along Logan Boulevard, originally installed in the mid-1950s. The aging pipeline is prone to breaking and leaking, leading to service outages and significant water losses. The Altoona Water Authority reported an average unaccounted-for water loss of 35% in 2019.

“This is an example of state government working with local partners to deliver clean drinking water to residents,” Ward emphasized. “The expense to replace this infrastructure can be costly, which is why programs like these are so important. They allow critical infrastructure repairs to be made without increasing the tax burden on local residents.”

Schmitt echoed Ward's sentiments, stating, “Improving infrastructure in Altoona is a wise use of this funding and I applaud the PENNVEST Board for recognizing the importance of this project.”

The project, expected to be finished before PennDOT’s 2025 spring or summer planned roadway improvements, aims to save on paving costs. The funding, provided through a low-interest 30-year loan with a 1% interest rate, was approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). PENNVEST is an independent agency of the Commonwealth that offers low-cost financial assistance to support the construction of drinking water, sewer, and stormwater projects in communities across Pennsylvania.

Residents interested in following Sen. Judy Ward for updates on legislation and news from the 30th Senate District can do so on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and Twitter @SenatorJWard. Contact information for Ward’s district offices and other updates can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, where constituents can also sign up for her e-newsletter.

For any media inquiries, please contact Nathan Akers at 717-787-2421 for Sen. Judy Ward and Greg Gross at 717-260-6374 for Representative Lou Schmitt.