Pennsylvania townships maintain thousands of miles of local roads, drainage systems, culverts, and stormwater infrastructure. Keeping these assets in good condition is challenging, particularly for rural communities with limited tax bases and aging infrastructure. Whether a municipality is replacing deteriorating culverts, addressing recurring flooding, improving roadside drainage, or rehabilitating low-volume roads, securing outside funding can significantly reduce the burden on local budgets.
Fortunately, Pennsylvania offers a variety of state and federal funding opportunities designed to help municipalities complete critical infrastructure improvements. Understanding where these programs exist and how they align with drainage and roadway projects can help township officials identify opportunities that may otherwise be overlooked.
Organizations and Departments Providing Funding
Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission
The Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission administers one of the state’s most important infrastructure funding programs for rural municipalities through County Conservation Districts.
Dirt, Gravel, and Low Volume Road (DGLVR) Program
The Dirt, Gravel, and Low Volume Road Program provides funding for projects that improve road drainage, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and increase roadway longevity. Culvert replacements, ditch improvements, stream crossing upgrades, and erosion control projects are among the most common uses of funding.
Pennsylvania municipalities and counties are generally eligible applicants. Funding amounts vary by county allocation and project scope, but many projects receive funding ranging from several thousand dollars to well over $100,000.
Because environmental benefits play a significant role in project evaluation, drainage improvements that reduce sediment runoff and improve water quality are often strong candidates.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
PennDOT administers several transportation funding programs that can support local drainage and culvert projects.
Multimodal Transportation Fund
The Multimodal Transportation Fund supports projects that improve transportation infrastructure and safety. Municipalities may use funding for roadway reconstruction, drainage improvements, culvert replacements, and related transportation infrastructure upgrades.
Grant awards commonly range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars depending on project scope and available funding.
Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program
The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program supports projects that enhance transportation networks while providing environmental and community benefits. In some cases, drainage improvements associated with eligible transportation projects may qualify for funding.
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) administers a variety of grant programs that may support infrastructure improvements.
Local Share Account Statewide Program
The Local Share Account Statewide Program provides funding for public infrastructure projects throughout Pennsylvania. Municipal drainage improvements, roadway infrastructure projects, culvert replacements, and stormwater management upgrades may qualify depending on project characteristics.
Funding amounts vary significantly, with many awards ranging from tens of thousands to several million dollars.
Community Development Block Grant Program
Community Development Block Grants may be used for infrastructure projects that benefit local communities and improve public safety. Eligible applicants typically include municipalities and counties.
Drainage improvements that address flooding, roadway safety, or public infrastructure deficiencies may qualify under certain circumstances.
Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST)
PENNVEST provides financing assistance for water quality and stormwater infrastructure projects throughout the Commonwealth.
Stormwater Project Funding
PENNVEST offers low-interest financing and, in some cases, grant assistance for eligible stormwater projects. Municipalities may pursue funding for drainage system improvements, stormwater infrastructure upgrades, and flood mitigation initiatives.
Funding amounts vary widely depending on project size and financing needs.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Programs
Certain PENNVEST programs support projects that reduce runoff and improve water quality. Municipal drainage improvements that address erosion and sediment transport may qualify when they provide measurable environmental benefits.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Pennsylvania communities affected by flooding and severe weather may qualify for several FEMA funding opportunities.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
The BRIC program supports projects that reduce future disaster risks and improve community resilience. Culvert replacements, drainage upgrades, flood mitigation projects, and erosion control measures are frequently eligible.
Funding awards often range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars depending on project scope and community need.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding following federally declared disasters. Municipalities may use funds to improve infrastructure resilience and reduce future flood-related damages.
Drainage improvements and culvert replacements are common project types under this program.
Technical Assistance Resources
County Conservation Districts
Pennsylvania’s County Conservation Districts provide some of the most valuable technical assistance available to municipalities pursuing drainage projects. Services often include site evaluations, project recommendations, funding guidance, and assistance with DGLVR applications.
Many successful municipal drainage projects begin with consultation from local Conservation District staff.
Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
Located at Penn State University, the Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies provides research, training, and technical support focused on environmentally sensitive roadway maintenance and drainage management.
The Center’s expertise in erosion control, water management, culvert systems, and road drainage makes it a valuable resource for municipalities planning infrastructure improvements.
County Planning Commissions
County planning departments frequently assist municipalities with infrastructure planning, grant identification, and project development. They can also provide demographic data, mapping resources, and planning expertise that strengthen funding applications.
PennDOT District Offices
PennDOT district offices provide technical guidance and coordination for transportation-related projects. Municipalities pursuing roadway drainage or culvert improvements may benefit from early communication with district staff during project planning.
Final Thoughts
Pennsylvania municipalities have access to a robust network of funding opportunities that can support drainage improvements, culvert replacements, stormwater management initiatives, and roadway infrastructure projects. By understanding available programs and utilizing technical assistance resources, communities can significantly improve their ability to secure funding and complete critical infrastructure improvements.
Proactive planning, thorough documentation, and strong partnerships with technical experts often make the difference between a successful funding application and a missed opportunity. With the right strategy, Pennsylvania communities can leverage available resources to improve infrastructure performance while protecting local budgets.