JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY
Columbia Borough Council must decide whether or not to provide a letter of support for funding for Lancaster City's proposed water transmission pipeline project that would run through Columbia's streets. Christine Volkay-Hilditch, Deputy Director of Public Works, Utilities at the City of Lancaster, said that without Columbia's support letter, funding could initially be delayed, but the issue would ultimately be decided by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Council previously voted to send a letter of non-support for the project, as Columbia Spy reported HERE.
The project
The Susquehanna Large Diameter Transmission Main project represents what Volkay-Hilditch called "a once-in-a-generation project." The centerpiece is a 42-inch diameter water main designed to provide redundancy for an aging pipeline that currently serves approximately 120,000 people across Lancaster County. The city is supplied by two water treatment plants, one pulling “raw” water from the Conestoga River, and the other from the Susquehanna.The existing transmission main is over 70 years old and supplies water to about 70% of Lancaster City's customers. Repairs, which included an emergency repair in 2012, have become increasingly difficult and costly, according to Volkay-Hilditch. The new pipeline would create backup capacity if the current line fails.
The proposed route through Columbia
The pipeline's underground path would begin at a pumping station in Columbia along the Susquehanna River, across the railroad tracks, then travel across Front Street, up Mill Street, over South 4th Street, and up Manor Street to the water treatment plant at the bottom of South 15th Street. The line will occasionally zigzag to accommodate existing utilities.
Council concerns
Columbia Borough officials opposed having to bear the burden of a project that offers the borough no direct benefits. Councilman Kelly Murphy said, "This project is going to have serious impact on a good many people, especially anybody who lives anywhere near Manor Street."
Murphy: "This project is going to have serious impact on a good many people, especially anybody who lives anywhere near Manor Street."
Councilman Todd Burgard stated, "We don't get any value out of this project. All we get is disruption. What does the borough stand to gain? We're allowing another entity to use public land to serve other folks free of charge."
Councilman Peter Stahl mentioned that comments and concerns from the borough’s engineer had been ignored during the planning process. "All of our comments and suggestions were ignored," Stahl said. "Now we have to write a letter of support for something that we've commented on and suggested things that really concern us and we haven't been heard at all."
Fire department concerns
Jared Barninger, president of the Columbia Borough Fire Department, was concerned about access to the fire station during construction. Barninger said that Manor Street serves as the fire company's main travel route, and with an all-volunteer department, access is crucial not only for fire trucks but also for volunteers' personal vehicles. "We're all volunteers, so not only do we need to get the fire trucks out, we need to get cars in," Barninger explained. "That's what we're mostly concerned about is getting in and out of the department for access to it and then to get to the calls." Volkay-Hilditch requested Barninger's contact information.
Resident concerns
Residents also voiced opposition during the meeting. Frank Doutrich talked about the disruption the project would cause: "You're coming in and disrupting that whole area right there. It's going to be some time involved. It's our property. We need to get something out of this." Another resident told Volkay-Hilditch: "We're solving your problems. We're being harmed." Mary Wickenheiser raised concerns about bus routes and asked whether there would be additional public meetings with residents to address their concerns. Volkay-Hilditch said a meeting could be held.
In response to concerns about road conditions, Volkay-Hilditch told council members that after excavation, the full length of Manor Street would be repaved, though not from curb to curb. The 200 block of Mill Street, which was recently repaved as part of a CDBG project, will be completely restored.
Mayor Leo Lutz suggested that a lawyer could draft an agreement to address some of the borough's concerns. Council members emphasized the need for short-term and long-term protections.
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.
Mayor Leo Lutz suggested that a lawyer could draft an agreement to address some of the borough's concerns. Council members emphasized the need for short-term and long-term protections.
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 city expects to receive permits by September 2025, with pipe purchasing scheduled for October/November 2025 and construction bidding in December 2025.
Council is scheduled to vote on whether to provide the requested letter of support at its next meeting on Tuesday, September 9.
Council is scheduled to vote on whether to provide the requested letter of support at its next meeting on Tuesday, September 9.
