Mercer County, Pa. - Improvements to a sewer project in Mercer County will soon upgrade hundreds of residents' sewer services.

According to a release, the Neshannock Creek Watershed Joint Municipal Authority is being awarded $1.6 million in the PENNVEST Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the State Route 19 south sewer project.

The project involves replacing an outdated sewage treatment plant with a new pump station along State Route 19 in Mercer County, about three miles south of Interstate 80.

The improvement project will provide area businesses and more than 300 residents in Findley, Coolspring, Springfield and East Lackawannock townships with improved, reliable sanitary sewage services.

"A modern pumping station is essential for reliable wastewater service," said State Representative Tim Bonner (R-17). "This upgrade will protect public health, support local businesses and allow for future growth in our communities."

PENNVEST is an independent state agency that gives financial assistance for a variety of community projects, including sewer, stormwater, and drinking water projects. The financial assistance the agency provides comes from federal funding and prior bond issues by the state.