Boscola Announces $2.3 Million in State Investment into Stormwater Project in Palmer Township

Boscola Announces $2.3 Million in State Investment into Stormwater Project in Palmer Township

April 15, 2026

Bethlehem - April 15, 2026 - State Senator Lisa Boscola announced today that PENNVEST has approved $2,332,000 in state investment for the Palmer Township Stormwater Authority for the Wedgewood Drainage Improvements Phase I Project.

"This PENNVEST funding will enable the Palmer Township Stormwater Authority to repair a catastrophic failure of a 48-inch corrugated metal storm sewer pipe running between Wedgewood Drive and Chain Dam Road caused by a flash flooding event in 2023," Boscola stated. "Damage included massive scour hole, slope instability, roadway damage, and uncontrolled erosion that extended beyond Chain Dam Road into private property and downslope drainage channels. While emergency measures have been in place since to prevent further roadway collapse, this state investment makes it possible for the Authority to implement permanent repairs to the existing failed system."

The Palmer Township Stormwater Authority was approved for a low interest loan of $2,332,000 for the project with a 240-month term that has a 1% interest rate for the first five years and a 1.743% interest rate for the balance of the term.

"This PENNVEST loan will provide the grant-equivalent of $780,394 over the life of the loan, which means that ratepayers are not expected to see an increase in rates due to this project," Boscola added. "This is another important example of the Commonwealth partnering with local authorities to assist with critically important environmental and public safety projects," Boscola added.

The project includes the installation of approximately 1,219 feet of smooth-lined corrugated polyethylene pipe, ranging in size from 18-inch to 48-inch in diameter, three 2-foot by 6-foot custom inlet tops with 4-foot by 6-foot boxes, and one endwall, and the riprap drainage swale will be stabilized and reconstructed.

Established in 1988, PENNVEST provides funding for sewer, storm water and drinking water projects.