Brush Creek Water Pollution Control Facility in Cranberry Township is slated to undergo upgrades. Butler Eagle File Photo

A multimillion dollar solids handling upgrade project at Cranberry Township’s Brush Creek sewage treatment plant is on track to begin in the coming months.

A presentation during Thursday’s meeting from members of the township’s engineering department detailed that the project will be put out to bid for contractors in April before commencing in June.

The total estimated cost checks in at $36 million. However, township officials said they have strategically financed that sum through three different means.

Officials secured a $5 million grant through the Environmental Protection Agency and a $1.75 million grant from the H20 PA Act, which provides multiyear grants to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer projects, according to the state’s website.

Additionally, the township will receive about $6.3 million from the Marshall Township Municipal Sanitary Authority as part of an intermunicipal service agreement.

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, better known as PennVEST, will supply the remaining $23.25 million as a low interest loan that will charge 1% for the first five years and 1.74% from years 6-20.

“The nice thing about PennVest is that they’re not just giving you the $23 million to spend,” said Michael Malak, the township’s director of engineering & environmental services, during the presentation. “We’re not locked in. We’re hoping we get good bids. If we come under, then that’s all the money we’re borrowing and paying back.”

Hydraulics upgrades at the facility were completed nearly six years ago in 2019 before officials turned their attention to the solids portion.

Supervisors authorized a design update for the project in June 2021 and later authorized the final design in December 2022.

Funding was awarded in March 2023 and less than a year later, in January 2024, essential environmental permits were issued.

In July of last year, the township was approved for the PennVest loan, and the final design was completed about two months ago in December.

Officials estimate the project will take about two years, with the earliest completion date being sometime in 2027.