The Bradford City Water Authority reviewed its operations in 2024, took stock of its status and looked to the year ahead, during its regular and reorganizational meeting this week.
Completed efforts include the $8.5 million lead abatement project funded by a PENNVEST grant, $1.5 million in bipartisan funding presented by former Sen. Bob Casey to install new gate valves along a 5.5-mile stretch of the original 24-inch transmission main installed in 1955, and $660,000 in Local Share Account funds to replace a water line along Route 219 from Minard Run Road to East Warren Road.
A $265,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) H2O PA grant, plus a required 50% match from the authority, initiated a project this past December to replace 2,300 linear feet of 8-inch water main, laying the groundwork for future upgrades to the Route 219 pumping station.
The authority received word this week that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) approved a $4.1 million low-interest loan to replace all existing water meters with new meters capable of remote data transmission. The change is expected to save the authority approximately $150,000 in operational costs each year. The interest rate on the loans is 1% for the first five years, and 1.743% for year six through maturity.
In his executive director’s report, Steve Disney indicated Bankson Engineers completed the annual inspections of all three authority dams, with no issues at Luther Reservoir No. 2; minor sidewall seep in the spillway at Marilla Reservoir No. 3, which will be monitored; and minor items to be monitored, cleaned or repaired to prevent any further deterioration at Heffner Dam No. 5.
The authority, Disney reported, is working with the Keating Township Municipal Authority to coordinate services of a certified water operator to be Keating’s operator of record until June. KTMA is the new authority formed to comprise water services in Rew, Aiken, Gifford, Cyclone and possibly Ormsby. The Bradford City Water Authority will visit Keating Township to review their water treatment operations.
The authority is also pursuing two storage tank locations, one above Edgewood Road and the other above South Kendall and Welch avenues; the authority’s investigation of these options is ongoing.
In assessments and audits, the authority submitted its lead service line inventory to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ahead of the October deadline, met all benchmarks in 2023 for drinking water quality (report available on the authority’s website), and was found to be compliant with federal cybersecurity practices and generally accepted accounting principles after an independent assessment and audit, respectively.
“Inspections by the DEP and EPA in 2024 praised the authority’s organization and focus on asset management,” the authority’s meeting minutes read. “Both agencies commended BCWA for its proactive approach to capital projects and operational preparedness.”
In honor and memory of, the authority recognized the passing of Troy Coppella on March 29, “a faithful employee and loving friend; his dedication and contributions to the authority will forever be remembered,” and the renaming of the former Gilbert Reservoir for longtime board member Richard W. Luther Sr. on May 31 to “honor Mr. Luther’s invaluable service and legacy.”
During the reorganizational portion of the meeting, the authority’s nominating committee comprising Tom Arrowsmith and Terry Lopus proposed the nomination and election of officers for 2025 including, Ron Orris, chairman; Tom Arrowsmith, vice chairman; Tina Martin, treasurer; Lopus, secretary; and Kris Goll, assistant secretary/treasurer.
For professional services, solicitor is Robert Saunders Law, special counsel are Salzmann Hughes PC and Cozen O’Connor, engineer is Randy Krause with Bankson Engineers Inc. and forester is Ken Kane, Generations Forestry Inc.
Committees are Orris, Lopus and Martin, personnel; Orris, Arrowsmith, Martin and Goll, finance; and Orris, Arrowsmith, Martin and Lopus, land resources; while Orris and Arrowsmith serve on the water and sewer authority joint committee.
Looking ahead, authority representatives said in the meeting report, “The Bradford City Water Authority remains committed to providing safe, reliable and high-quality water services. Through strategic planning, grant funding and infrastructure improvements, the authority continues to meet the needs of the community while preparing for future challenges.”
