BERWICK - Today, Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) announced $6.9 million in federal funding for the Berwick Industrial Development Association (BIDA).  The funding will enable BIDA to separate more than four miles of combined sanitary and storm sewers that are currently overloaded during heavy rainfall and discharge inadequately treated sewage into the Susquehanna River.  The funding came from a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, and a $4.9 million loan from Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority using federal funding provided through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's capitalization program.  Both were appropriated by Congress.

"This funding will greatly assist BIDA in taking needed action to separate its sewer lines and reduce the potential for overflows that could contaminate the area," said Congressman Kanjorski.  "Such action will better protect residents and employees in the area, reduce costs for companies currently at the BIDA, and spur job creation by encouraging more businesses to come to the complex.  As we work to recover from one the worst economic crises since the Great Depression, we must invest in programs that will help our local communities and stimulate job growth.  This initiative will do just that."

"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. "We've seen recent signs that our economy is recovering but the Administration's top priority is creating jobs. With Congressman Kanjorski's leadership making it possible, projects like this one support that priority. It will create jobs and advance Pennsylvania's economic competitiveness." 

"I deeply appreciate the assistance of Congressman Kanjorski to help obtain this vitally needed funding," said Stephen Phillips, executive director of BIDA.  "This funding will help eliminate a prolonged problem in the complex."

The businesses located in BIDA currently employ about 1,250 people.  In addition to preventing sewage overflow during rainy weather, the funding will also help reduce the sewage rates charged to the industrial complex and for the businesses located there.  It will encourage new businesses to come to the industrial park and the area at a time when unemployment rates still remain high.  It will also improve the local environment by helping to prevent sewage from entering the Susquehanna River.  The funding will enable BIDA to comply with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's sewer regulations.

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