BURNHAM - The Burnham Borough Authority will receive more than $10.1 million in financing for a major sewer renovation project that will support economic development and job creation efforts in Mifflin County, according to a press release issued Wednesday from the office of Sen. Jake Corman, R-Bellefonte.
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority awarded a $1,492,732 grant and an $8,679,268 low-interest loan to the Burnham Borough Authority Wednesday, according to Sen. Corman. The authority is expected to apply the funding toward demolition of its entire existing processing units and the construction of a new treatment plant. The project also involves the removal of 1,880 feet of a combined sanitary and storm sewer line, and replacing it with separate lines.
The project will directly impact Standard Steel, LLC, which plans to retain 614 jobs and create 46 full-time jobs, as well as invest $78.5 million in construction and equipment over the next three years. The project will also effect Sheetz, Inc., which plans to create 45 jobs and invest $2.3 million in construction, equipment and other investments over the next three years in the area, according to the release.
"The current system is overloaded beyond its rated capacity and the equipment is old and outdated," Sen. Corman said. "This grant and loan will allow Burnham to bring its system up to date and put it in a position to handle future economic development and job creation efforts while easing the financial burden that would have to have been borne by ratepayers. That's a win for the environment and for the local community as well."
PENNVEST financing is provided through the use of federal funding, and prior bond issues by the state. It is not supported by the state's General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth, the release states.
