ALLENTOWN BOROUGH WATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS

Allentown Borough recently completed a drinking water project, that is being financed with approximately $898,913 in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a low-rate funding program jointly administered by the DEP and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank ("I-Bank"). Because this project serves a population of 10,000 or less it is eligible for a Water Bank "NANO" loan which offers 50% principal forgiveness ("PF") up to $1 million. Total savings for this project, including PF and lower interest costs, is estimated to be $843,229 over the 20-year term of the loan or 94% of the total project costs as compared to the authority financing it independently. In addition, this project created an estimated 11 direct one-year construction jobs.

The Allentown Borough Water Treatment Plant, in continuous operation for over 50 years, recently underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation to extend its service life, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with NJDEP regulations. Work included critical upgrades to filtration, aeration, and ventilation systems; replacement of aging equipment; structural repairs; site drainage and safety enhancements; and the addition of a new emergency generator. These improvements will help protect the community's drinking water supply and keep the plant operating reliably for decades to come.

"Clean, safe drinking water is the foundation of a healthy and thriving community," said Mayor Thomas C. Fritts. "This investment in our water treatment plant ensures that our residents will continue to have a reliable water supply for generations. By modernizing equipment, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing safety measures, we are protecting both our people and our resources while preparing for the future. We are especially grateful to the DEP and the I-Bank for their partnership, which made it possible to complete this project with an extraordinary 94% in savings, a tremendous benefit to our taxpayers."

This project was designed by Roberts Engineering Group and constructed by Walter Marine Construction, Inc.