Rep. Shelby Labs announced on April 15 that two water infrastructure projects in her district have received a total of $10.4 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to improve water quality and address contaminants.
The funding will support upgrades for both the Doylestown Township Municipal Authority and the Perkasie Regional Authority. The Doylestown Township Municipal Authority was awarded a $4,440,800 grant to remove manganese and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from its public water supply. Planned improvements include building a new treatment facility with specialized filters for manganese removal, granular activated carbon systems for PFAS treatment, new chlorination equipment, a chlorine detention tank, and a holding tank for backwash water. The existing well-house will be removed as part of this project.
“Access to clean water is not optional,” Labs said. “People in our communities expect it, and government has a responsibility to help deliver it. This funding will help local authorities make the upgrades needed to protect water quality and serve residents well.” The Perkasie Regional Authority received both a $3,712,524 low-interest loan and a $2,261,518 grant to build new PFAS treatment facilities featuring granular activated carbon filtration and disinfection systems.
“Reliable water infrastructure matters to every household and employer in this region,” Labs said. “These projects will strengthen these systems, address treatment needs and help protect the quality of the water people depend on every day.” According to the official website, Labs resides with her husband and two daughters in Plumsteadville.
Labs won election to her position after taking office on Jan. 5, 2021 according to her official biography. She graduated from Central Bucks High School West before earning her degree at Temple University according to official records.
Labs focuses on serving constituents in the 143rd District through committee assignments such as Human Services and Transportation as reported by her official site. PENNVEST was founded in 1988 to provide grants and loans for drinking water distribution systems as well as stormwater or wastewater projects.
