City outlines $27.6M water infrastructure improvement funding and cost-sharing agreement

Lock Haven City Council has taken significant steps towards enhancing the city’s water infrastructure, approving a plan that could see $27.6 million allocated for improvements. During the meeting on February 8, 2022, council members discussed the potential for securing approximately 30% of this funding through grants, with the remainder to be financed through a borrowing package estimated at $19 million.

The proposed plan includes a debt service cost of about $750,000 annually, which will be shared with the Suburban Water Authority. This cost-sharing agreement is designed to ensure that both the city and the authority contribute fairly to the improvements of their shared water source. The council emphasized the importance of this collaboration, particularly in light of past challenges, including water quality issues during drought conditions.

Council members also addressed the projected output of new wells, which are expected to yield over 500 gallons per minute each. This would provide a sustainable water supply, although further testing is needed to confirm these estimates. The city plans to incorporate additional measures, such as a cash basin, to optimize water usage and meet daily demands.

As the council moves forward with these plans, they aim to ensure a reliable water supply for Lock Haven residents while managing costs effectively. The next steps will involve finalizing the cost-sharing agreement and continuing to explore options for sustainable water production.