Sen. Cris Dush and Rep. Martin Causer announced on April 15 nearly $575,000 in funding for wastewater system improvements in Austin Borough, Potter County.
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority approved the borough’s application to finance a construction project that will decommission existing pump stations and install about 1,400 feet of new gravity sewer lines with related infrastructure. The new system will be entirely gravity-fed, removing the need for grinder pumps. Funding includes a low-interest loan of $430,670 and a grant of $143,366.
Dush said, “Properly functioning water and sewer systems, such as Austin Borough’s entirely gravity-fed, natural forces-driven wastewater treatment process, are very important to the safety and well-being of any community. They are also very expensive to build and maintain.” He continued: “Fortunately, PENNVEST grants and low-interest loans exist to significantly offset these costs, which means ratepayers do not have to bear the brunt of these expensive infrastructure improvement projects that safeguard local water supplies, prevent pollution in our streams and promote public health.”
Causer said: “Efficient, effective and environmentally sound wastewater treatment systems are important to the health and safety of our residents. I support investments like these in our infrastructure systems to improve quality of life in our communities.”
Dush serves as senator for the 25th District—which covers Cameron, Clinton, Elk, McKean, Potter counties as well as parts of Jefferson and Centre counties—and chairs the Senate State Government Committee according to his official website. Before entering politics he was a law enforcement officer and military veteran according to his official website.
He has advocated for constitutional rights protection measures—including anti-human trafficking efforts—and sponsored legislation such as Senate Bill 44 supporting human trafficking victims that became Act 39 of 2023 according to his official website. Dush also focuses on restoring election integrity while seeking reduced government spending or regulation without raising taxes according to his official website.
The announcement reflects ongoing investment into critical local infrastructure aimed at protecting public health while reducing long-term costs for residents.
