Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell has announced the investment of $174 million in 27 drinking water and wastewater projects serving communities in 21 counties.

“Today’s meeting brings us to a total of $3.1 billion that the PENNVEST board has invested in 801 clean water projects in Pennsylvania since I took office,”Rendell said. “These investments are proof of our collective commitment to improving Pennsylvania’s environment and creating the opportunities for more dynamic economic future for our businesses, workers, and residents. I take great pride in this accomplishment and the resulting long-term benefits of cleaner water that residents, their children and their grandchildren will enjoy.”

Of the $174 million total, $154 million is for low-interest loans and $20 million is offered as grants from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

The awards range from a $216,609 grant to install rain gardens and construct other facilities to control storm water runoff in a community in Luzerne County, to a $30 million loan that will be used to construct improvements to a wastewater treatment facility in Lycoming County that will reduce nutrient contamination of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay.

Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST. For more information about PENNVEST, visit www.pennvest.state.pa.us.