Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) played a key role in helping the Herndon Borough-Jackson Township Joint Municipal Authority (HBJTJMA) secure an additional $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funding to complete the final phase of the Route 147 Waterline Replacement project.
Earlier phases of the project included construction of a new treatment facility, new water metering systems, and a conversion from gas to liquid chlorination to eliminate underground chlorine gas storage. The final phase will replace over two miles of deteriorating cast iron water pipes, some of which are more than 90 years old.
Addressing these aging infrastructure issues has become increasingly urgent, but recent developments complicated the path forward. In June, bids for the final phase came in $1.5 million over the available budget. Additionally, previously secured funds needed to be spent by the end of this year. Without the needed funding, only part of the project could proceed, putting the water system at continued risk.
Leveraging its expertise in community development and grant acquisition, SEDA-COG worked quickly with the Authority and other partners to identify and secure the additional funding needed to keep the project on track.
“Thanks to SEDA-COG’s decisive leadership, our project is back on track and poised to deliver lasting benefits to our community,” said Judi Deppen of the Herndon Borough–Jackson Township Joint Municipal Authority.
Deppen continued, “we couldn’t have done this without the expertise and support of SEDA-COG and project coordinator Tonia Troup, who sought solutions when none seemed available. As a small town without the resources to manage this on our own, we’re incredibly grateful. I believe other small communities like ours should know about the tremendous resources SEDA-COG offers.”
“We also couldn’t have done this without the backing of the Northumberland County Commissioners and Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver,” said Tonia Troup, SEDA-COG project coordinator. “And, of course, the quick action at the state level from DCED.”
Currently, residents experience discolored water, odor issues, and low pressure, while the current lack of reliable hydrant service forces fire crews to depend on tanker trucks from 20 minutes away. This delay can hinder emergency response efforts and increase the risk of harm during fire events.
Upon completion of the project, Herndon residents will enjoy clean, safe drinking water leading to better health, sanitation, and overall quality of life. Firefighters will have the necessary water pressure to effectively combat fires, significantly boosting public safety. Additionally, the new water lines will be more resilient to wear and tear caused by heavy-truck traffic along Route 147, ensuring the community continues to have reliable access to water.