MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata County will receive more than $230,000 in funding through the federal Community Development Block Grant for a spring transition line replacement project in McAlisterville.

SEDA-Council of Governments Program Analyst Michelle Koslap, who is submitting the application for the county, told Juniata County Commissioners at a recent meeting that $41,250 of the $230,233 received would go toward administrative costs.

When Commissioners sign this resolution, SEDA-Council of Governments will submit the 2025 CDBG application on their behalf.

Koslap said, “McAlisterville’s original 1930s cast iron water line, still in use, has become severely clogged with mineral buildup, reducing its flow capacity.

Following the successful rehabilitation of springs 1 and 2 on Shade Mountain, the McAlisterville Area Joint Authority now has access to significantly more spring water. However, the existing 3- and 6-inch lines are too restricted to handle the increased supply.”

As part of a multi-phase upgrade, McAlisterville Area Joint Authority is replacing approximately 900 linear feet of the old line with a 6-inch C-900 plastic transmission pipe in the upper section

during Phase 1.

“This will restore flow capacity, improve system efficiency, and allow greater use of high-quality, low-cost spring water, reducing reliance on energy-intensive production wells. Although lead and copper levels have never been elevated, the project also removes original bell-and-spigot joints sealed with lead and oakum, further enhancing long-term water safety,” added Koslap.