Columbia Council approves Letter of Support for funding of Lancaster City pipeline project despite concerns

This map shows City of Lancaster's proposed route for a 42-inch diameter pipeline to be run through Columbia Borough. The main would run from a pumping station along the Susquehanna River, underneath railroad tracks, up Mill Street, over South Fourth Street, then up Manor Street to South 15th Street before continuing to the water treatment plant.

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

Columbia Borough Council voted unanimously last Tuesday to support Lancaster City's application for funding for a major water transmission line project that will impact several Columbia streets over a 13-month construction period.

Councilman Peter Stahl made the motion to provide a letter of support for Lancaster City's PennVEST loan application, with Council President Heather Zink seconding. The decision comes after the borough previously sent a letter of non-support for the project.

"When we initially denied it, we got a seat at the table again, and Lancaster City's listening," Stahl explained. "I feel that we have a place now to discuss and get in writing the things that we need to be done and need to be considered."

Borough Engineer Derek Rinaldo emphasized that the letter of support is specifically for Lancaster City's loan application, not an endorsement of the project itself.

"This is basically supporting the city of Lancaster in getting financing at a good rate for this project," Rinaldo said. "As municipalities in Lancaster County, we have no desire to stick it to the city of Lancaster. We want to make sure that their taxpayers and their ratepayers get the best deal on this project if they can."

Funding 

Lancaster City initially applied to the Commonwealth Finance Authority for ARPA funding in 2023 for the full cost of both Phase 2 and 3, but received only $3.132 million for Phase 2 of the project. The city has since applied for PENNVEST funding, which offers lower interest rates but comes with specific requirements.

As part of the PENNVEST application process, Lancaster City must demonstrate that the project aligns with local land planning efforts. The application requires letters of support from all affected municipalities, including Columbia Borough, West Hempfield Township, Mountville Borough, and East Hempfield Township. 

The project 

At Tuesday's meeting, Rinaldo acknowledged significant concerns about the project's impact on Columbia. "This is going to be a pretty large pipeline project right through the heart of a big section of the borough," he said.

Rinaldo: "This is going to be a pretty large pipeline project right through the heart of a big section of the borough." [File photo]

The pipeline will begin at Lancaster City's pumping station at the river and run to South 15th Street. Lancaster City cannot use a route at Strickler Run due to an existing water line, forcing the project onto Manor Street. The new pipeline will provide needed redundancy, since the existing line is 70 years old and has experienced leaks, including an emergency repair in 2012. Construction is scheduled to begin February 2026 and run through March 2027. Columbia Spy previously reported on details of the project HERE.

Concerns and negotiations
Most of the line will run through Manor Street, which is a main conduit that includes the fire station. At a previous meeting, Jared Barninger, president of the Columbia Borough Fire Department, was concerned about access to the fire station during construction.

Councilman Eric Kauffman expressed concern about timing, particularly with the Lancaster County Fireman Association parade scheduled for June. "Will we be able to negotiate time frames at all?" Kauffman asked. 

Rinaldo said time frames would be negotiable when Lancaster City submits street cut permits, which the borough plans to review extensively. Key issues to be addressed include:

• Street restoration requirements and timelines
• Road closure durations and detour plans
• Emergency vehicle access for the fire company
• Business delivery impacts, particularly for truck traffic

Council President Zink wanted a condition that construction vehicles cannot be parked on Manor Street overnight to allow resident parking. She also defended the need to work with Lancaster. "You've got to give a little to get a little," she said.

Underground utilities
Councilman Kelly Murphy was concerned about existing underground utilities including UGI gas lines, water services, and other infrastructure already under the streets. Rinaldo explained that subsurface utility investigation would be conducted to prevent conflicts. Ground-penetrating radar could also be used.

Mayor Leo Lutz was concerned about risks with the new line, particularly water leaks that could erode the area's limestone bedrock. "We have to be very diligent and work with Lancaster City if it's going to happen as to what we want to see happen and what protections we have," Lutz said. 

Lutz later added, "I'm a little apprehensive about it."

Rinaldo assured council that Columbia's control over street cut permits would provide leverage with Lancaster City over terms and conditions.

Resident Sharon Lintner spoke about the issue from the residents' point of view. "Council President, you just said 'Give a little to get a little,' but we're getting nothing," Lintner said. She noted that former borough manager Steve Kaufhold, who retired September 5th, had advised against a letter of support. Lintner also directed a comment to Rinaldo: "Derek, you said we don't want to stick it to Lancaster, but are you okay sticking it to Columbia residents? Because they're going to suffer for this."