Congresswoman Summer Lee and USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small Announce $14 Million Federal Investment to Modernize Jeannette’s Sewer System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 2, 2024

Contact:

Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov | 771.215.7243
Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov | 412.841.7913

Congresswoman Summer Lee and USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small Announce $14 Million Federal Investment to Modernize Jeannette’s Sewer System

Federal Investment Will Improve Infrastructure, Create Jobs, and Build Community Resilience in Jeannette, PA

(Jeannette, PA) – Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) joined USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small to announce a $14 million federal loan to the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County to modernize Jeannette’s combined sewer system. The funding, which is part of USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program, will help eliminate sanitary sewer overflows and improve infrastructure resilience against climate change impacts, benefiting the local environment and public health.

At the event, Rep. Summer Lee emphasized the significance of this investment for Jeannette and the broader region.

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“This $14 million investment is not just an upgrade to Jeannette’s sewer system—it’s a commitment to ensuring that rural communities like ours have access to modern infrastructure that protects public health, creates good-paying local jobs, and builds resilience for the future,” said Rep. Lee. “With this federal funding, we are addressing long-standing environmental and economic injustices by ensuring that every community—no matter its size—has the resources needed to thrive.”

The project will support the modernization of Jeannette’s aging sewer system, reducing the risk of sewer overflows and protecting local water sources. The investment is expected to create good-paying jobs for local residents, contributing to the region’s long-term economic growth.

USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small highlighted the broader impact of the Biden-Harris administration’s investment in rural infrastructure across the country. “Today’s announcement is part of a $1.3 billion commitment to strengthening rural water and electric infrastructure nationwide. By building climate-resilient systems, we are ensuring that rural communities like Jeannette have the tools they need to face the challenges of tomorrow while creating economic opportunity today.”

The event featured a site tour and press gaggle at City Hall, where local officials and community leaders discussed the long-term impact of the project on infrastructure, job creation, and environmental sustainability.

For more information on USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program and how it benefits rural communities, visit www.rd.usda.gov.