Weaknecht Announces Furnace Creek Water Tank Rehabilitation

July 16, 2026

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Eric Weaknecht (R-Berks) today announced that the Womelsdorf-Robesonia Joint Authority was approved for a loan of more than $1.16 million to rehabilitate the Furnace Creek water storage tank.

The project will help improve the reliability and safety of the local water system by restoring the tank and upgrading critical infrastructure.

“Rehabilitating this water storage tank will help protect public health and ensure residents of the 5th district continue to have access to safe water. I welcome any opportunity to improve infrastructure that benefits our community,” Weaknecht said.

The project includes cleaning and recoating both the interior and exterior of the water storage tank. Any deteriorated welds will be repaired before the new protective coating is applied.

Additional improvements include:
  • Relacing the existing roof vent, mesh screen and interior and exterior ladders.
  • Installing new safety climb systems and a new 30-inch diameter shell manway to improve water access and safety.
  • Modifying the tank inlet to improve water circulation through passive mixing.
  • Upgrading the exterior overflow pipe to meet current design standards.

The funding was awarded by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). Since its inception in 1988, the program has served communities and citizens by funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects across the Commonwealth. PENNVEST funding does not come from the state’s General Fund budget, but through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state, as well as proceeds from Act 13 of 2012, the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee.



Representative Eric Weaknecht
5th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Novalea Eckenroad
 717-772-3161 
neckenroad@pahousegop.com