Image courtesy of Brian Fitzpatrick
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick recently announced the successful grant application process.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick recently announced a major victory for the health and environment of the first district of Pennsylvania and its surrounding community, securing $4,707,286 in Community Project Funding (CPF) to address PFAS contamination in groundwater and enhance sediment reduction technologies. This federal investment, part of the FY24 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was championed by Fitzpatrick as part of a broader effort to direct federal resources to key projects and programs that directly benefit Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District.
Through the Community Project Funding request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick successfully secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit First District constituents. Additionally, Fitzpatrick secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY22.
Horsham Water and Sewer Authority - $4 Million
This funding will support the Horsham Water & Sewer Authority Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, designed to mitigate the spread of PFAS contaminated groundwater. The initiative will include approximately 20 miles of Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining for sewers and laterals beyond the usual annual maintenance. Prioritizing sewers based on age, proximity to military bases, and vulnerability to flooding, this project is essential for protecting PA-1’s drinking water from these harmful 'forever chemicals.
The Horsham Water and Sewer Authority expressed their gratitude stating: “We are thrilled to have been awarded this $4 Million Community Project Funding Grant. This funding will be used to support our ongoing sewer infrastructure renewal program, which in turn, helps to reduce the spread of PFAS contaminated groundwater to downstream drinking water sources. We are grateful to Congressman Fitzpatrick and his team for their support in obtaining this vital funding.”
Why remove PFAS?
By tackling PFAS contamination and championing sustainable infrastructure, these initiatives highlight Fitzpatrick’s continued commitment and proactive leadership in the battle against environmental hazards, extending from Pennsylvania’s first district to the broader national landscape. His mission continues to be to champion for a healthier, safer future that prioritizes both public well-being and the preservation of our environment.
Rep. Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of these initiatives.
“Combatting PFAS contamination has been a pivotal mission throughout my congressional career,” he said. “As the founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, I have prioritized advocating comprehensive measures to protect our communities from these harmful chemicals. These essential infrastructure upgrades are crucial for both enhancing stormwater and runoff management and safeguarding the health of our residents by preventing toxic pollutants from infiltrating our water supply.”
Fitzpatrick said that the work is crucial, as all humans should have clean water in their lives.
“Access to clean water is a fundamental right, and I am committed to ensuring that Congress takes every necessary action to eradicate dangerous substances from Americans’ drinking water,” he said. “I am proud to have fought for the funding that will modernize our infrastructure and strengthen our defenses against contaminants threatening our environment and public health. Together, we will strive for a future where clean water is not merely an aspiration but a guarantee for everyone in our PA-1 community and beyond.”
What are PFAS?
PFAS, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are “widely used, long-lasting chemicals.” Over time, the components of these chemicals break down slowly. There is nearly nowhere on earth they are not found, and each human has some level of PFAS in their system.
PFAS are found in water, air, fish, and soil across the globe. Some PFAS, studies have shown, “may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.”
While science continues to study and understand these components, some of the known impacts include:
To learn more about the current understanding of PFAS, visit https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas.
