Dan Santoro

Amount Appropriated?

$5.0M

FFID tracks stages 1–2 — stages 3–5 vary by agency, assistance type, and earmark structure.

Project Description

This project is a good use of taxpayer funds because these improvements will provide an opportunity for considerable costs savings on energy bills, and it can provide a hedge against electricity cost increases. The Project represents an opportunity to generate long-term cost savings for taxpayers through reduced energy use. The proposed scope of work will also improve the ability of the Plant to respond to peak weather flows and improve the effluent quality of the discharge. \n\nA key highlight is the ability of anerobic digesters to produce burnable methane gas, which is capable of being converted to heat and electric power. It also provides numerous benefits compared to conventional energy, including improved efficiency, decreased greenhouse emissions, and improved reliability. The ability to produce energy at the Plant could reduce Cranberry Township's reliance on electricity from the local utilities grid. \n\nMaintaining the health of the Brush Creek Watershed is key to enhancing the economic values of homes, businesses, and communities served by the Watershed. The proposed upgrades to solids handling at the Plant will protect the integrity of the recently completed upgrades at the Plant to ensure that the investment made by existing residents and businesses is not allowed to fail. In addition to serving the current population, the recent upsizing at the Plant and proposed upgrades are necessary to support continued residential and commercial growth in the Watershed. Cranberry Township is now the fastest growing community in southwestern Pennsylvania; developing into a robust economic activity center that is home to numerous small businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporate headquarter. More than 22,000 commuters travel to Township daily for employment opportunities.