Allentown, Pa. — As part of a statewide investment announced today by Governor Josh Shapiro, Lehigh County Authority (LCA) has secured $15.4 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to continue lead service line replacements in the City of Allentown.
The funding includes $7.3 million in grant funding and $8.2 million in low-interest financing and will support the replacement of approximately 1,000 lead service lines, along with expanded investigation work to identify remaining unknown materials across the system.
The investment is part of a broader $284.2 million package supporting water infrastructure projects across Pennsylvania aimed at improving water quality, modernizing systems, and protecting public health.
“This is a direct investment in public health,” said Liesel Gross, Chief Executive Officer of Lehigh County Authority. “Removing lead service lines reduces long-term risk for the families we serve and strengthens the reliability of our system. This funding allows us to continue that work at a scale that makes a real difference in our community.”
The project will include full replacement of lead service lines on both the public and private side, as well as continued efforts to identify unknown public and private service line materials in Allentown. “Every unknown service line represents a gap in the system,” said Reni Keane-Dengel, LCA’s Lead Program and Compliance Manager. “This funding allows us to close those gaps while continuing to replace confirmed lead service lines. It’s a coordinated approach that ensures we’re not just making progress but making the right progress.”
Customers will receive advance notice prior to construction, and LCA will coordinate closely with property owners throughout the replacement process to minimize disruption.
This latest award builds on LCA’s ongoing lead service line replacement program and reflects continued state investment in efforts to reduce lead exposure and improve drinking water infrastructure.
More information about LCA’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program is available at: www.lehighcountyauthority.org/
About Lehigh County Authority: LCA is a public water and wastewater utility committed to protecting public health and the environment by providing high-quality, safe, and reliable water and wastewater services, serving a population of approximately 270,000 people. A nonprofit, public agency, LCA was founded in 1966 by the County of Lehigh and is governed by a nine‐member board of directors appointed by the County.
Information provided to TVL by:
Taylor Stakes
