State Representatives Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced a major financial boost for Erie’s water infrastructure Wednesday, as the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (Pennvest) approved a combined $18.5 million in low-interest loans and grant-equivalent funding for two sweeping improvement projects.

Roughly $5.6 million of the total funding comes in the form of grant-equivalent assistance, easing the financial burden for ratepayers while advancing long-overdue updates to the Erie City Water Authority’s distribution and service line systems.

"Water connects us all," Harkins said. "This funding lets us tackle decades-old leaks, install smarter controls, and guarantee that every drop flowing from our taps meets the highest standard of safety."

"Under every street lies a water network we rarely see but always need," added Merski. "With this support, we’re reinforcing critical infrastructure to guarantee Erie residents reliability and peace of mind."

The first portion of the funding will kickstart a seven-phase capital improvement program, starting at the historic Sigsbee Reservoir pump station with upgraded pumps, electrical systems, and building improvements.

Several aging ductile-iron mains along Kuntz Road, McClelland Avenue, and throughout the Frontier neighborhood, will be replaced to reduce service interruptions. Additional upgrades include pump replacements at the Richard S. Wasielewski Water Treatment Plant and reconstruction of the original 1874 Sigsbee valve vault.

The second project addresses environmental health concerns, replacing about 860 galvanized private-side service lines that remain downstream of outdated lead goosenecks and fittings. This $6.5 million effort targets vulnerable areas at high risk for lead exposure, building on previous public-side improvements made by the authority.

Combined, the projects will serve more than 58,000 households across the City of Erie and neighboring boroughs and townships, including Wesleyville, McKean, Greene, Harborcreek, Lawrence Park, Millcreek, and Summit.

Without Pennvest’s low-cost financing and grant-equivalent support, rates for local users could have jumped by nearly 87%.

The projects aim to modernize Erie’s aging water system, improve water quality, and safeguard public health while keeping service affordable.