Oxford gets grant to replace water line

The grant will replace 2,000 linear feet of failing 4-inch cast iron pipe, gate valves and interconnections.

WEST GROVE » Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester/Lancaster) today announced that Oxford Borough will receive a $338,725 state grant to replace a municipal water line.

The grant, through the Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program, will replace 2,000 linear feet of failing 4-inch cast iron pipe, gate valves and interconnections, and 30 service connections located in a two-block section of Nottingham Avenue, Franklin Street and Garfield Street. Over the years, the water mains and cast iron joints have deteriorated and become clogged with corrosion, reducing adequate flow to both customers and fire hydrants.

“Replacement of aging infrastructure is critical to the continued revitalization of Oxford Borough,” said Lawrence. “These grants are very competitive, and I strongly advocated for this funding along with Mayor Lorraine Bell and Council President Sue Lombardi. In the days ahead, this funding will allow for the complete replacement of a water main that has presented the borough with constant repairs and issues.”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Oxford Mayor Lorraine Bell. “The grants that we are receiving for improvements in our town show how organizations on the county and state level believe in Oxford’s future. Upon hearing that Oxford received this funding, I immediately thanked borough manager Brian Hoover, who wrote the grant. I am so glad that we have someone as skilled as Mr. Hoover working for us; he has certainly brought much-needed financial help to our community.”

“This grant is critical to updating the infrastructure of our water system,” said Oxford Borough Council President Sue Lombardi. “We are very appreciative of the efforts of Rep. Lawrence on the behalf of the residents of our community. His support was instrumental in receiving this highly competitive grant. In addition, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the contributions of our borough manager Hoover for his excellent work in initiating and managing the grant process.”

“This grant provides funding necessary for needed infrastructure improvements and comes at a time of great opportunity for the borough as we continue to invest in upgrading our aging infrastructure,” said Hoover.

This project continues a series of improvements to Oxford’s core infrastructure and is part of the borough’s overall plans to improve safety and delivery of services to residents. The project is anticipated to break ground next spring.