ST. THOMAS, Pa. — A regional water authority is set to undergo a major infrastructure overhaul following a multimillion-dollar state loan.
The Bear Valley Water Authority secured a $22.25 million low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). Officials stated the funding will modernize the region’s water distribution network, enhance service reliability and reinforce long-term water supplies.
The capital will finance Phase II of the authority’s comprehensive infrastructure initiative. Project goals include curbing water loss, expanding pumping capacity and delivering more dependable service to thousands of customers across Hamilton, St. Thomas, Peters and portions of Letterkenny townships.
By upgrading the system, the authority expects to decrease its reliance on purchased water from neighboring municipal systems, giving local managers greater autonomy over water resources.
State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin/Adams) praised the state investment in a statement announcing the award.
“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,” Mastriano said, noting that the multimillion-dollar influx will help curb costly leaks and secure regional resources for years to come.
Key infrastructure upgrades
The multi-phase improvement project encompasses several major engineering tasks:
- Main replacements: Crews will replace approximately 43,000 feet of aging water mains with new, larger-diameter pipes of up to 16 inches to optimize flow and minimize leakage.
- Treatment enhancements: A new membrane filtration system and neutralization equipment will be installed to bolster water treatment operations.
- Pumping capacity: Facilities will receive a finished-water pump alongside two high-capacity pumps capable of handling 1,100 gallons per minute each.
- Operational efficiency: Overall pumping facility upgrades will expand the system’s permitted capacity and streamline daily operations.
PENNVEST operates as an independent state agency that provides low-cost financing options for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure improvement initiatives statewide.
