HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) today announced Bear Valley Water Authority in Franklin County has been awarded a $22.25 million low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to modernize its water distribution system, improve reliability and strengthen the region’s long-term water supply.
The funding will support Phase II of the authority’s Water Distribution System Improvements project, a major infrastructure initiative designed to reduce water loss, expand pumping capacity and provide more efficient and dependable water service to thousands of residents in Franklin County.
“Access to clean, safe and reliable drinking water is not a luxury. It is a necessity for every family, farm and business in our communities,” said Mastriano. “This $22.25 million investment will help modernize aging infrastructure, reduce costly water losses and ensure our communities have the water resources they need for years to come. These are the kinds of investments that directly improve the quality of life for the people we serve.”
The project includes significant upgrades to the authority’s water treatment and distribution infrastructure, including:
- Replacement of approximately 43,000 feet of aging water mains with larger pipes up to 16 inches in diameter, improving water flow and reducing leakage.
- Installation of a new membrane filtration system and neutralization equipment to support water treatment operations.
- Installation of a finished-water pump and two high-capacity pumps capable of moving 1,100 gallons of water per minute each.
- Upgrades to pumping facilities to increase the system’s permitted capacity and improve overall operational efficiency.
These improvements will also help reduce Bear Valley Water Authority’s dependence on purchasing water from a neighboring borough, providing greater local control over its water supply.
The project will directly benefit residents and businesses served by Bear Valley Water Authority in Hamilton, St. Thomas, Peters and portions of Letterkenny townships.
“Much of our water infrastructure is buried underground and out of sight, but it is absolutely essential to our daily lives,” Mastriano continued. “Whether it is a family turning on the faucet, a farmer running an operation or a local business planning for the future, dependable water service matters. This project is about protecting that essential service while preparing Franklin County for the needs of tomorrow.”
In addition to financing the improvements, the favorable terms of the PENNVEST loan are estimated to provide nearly $7 million in grant-equivalent financial benefits over the life of the loan, significantly reducing the cost of financing compared with conventional borrowing.
“Franklin County is growing, and our infrastructure must be prepared to meet the demands of both today and the future,” Mastriano said. “I am pleased to see this investment directed toward the communities of the 33rd Senatorial District. Strengthening our water infrastructure is an investment in public health, economic stability and the long-term prosperity of our region.”
PENNVEST is an independent state agency that provides low-cost financing for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects throughout Pennsylvania.