Ferguson Township Leaders Seek to Aid State College Authority in Water Company Acquisition
FERGUSON TOWNSHIP — Local leadership is rallying to assist the State College Borough Water Authority in acquiring the struggling Rock Spring Water Company, amid concerns over potential steep rate increases if a private buyer prevails. Rock Spring, which has been under state investigation due to over a decade of service issues and regulatory violations, faces pressure to sell, with company President J. Roy Campbell hinting at negotiations to settle the matter soon.
The Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding that supports the authority’s acquisition efforts. This commitment includes sponsorship of grant applications to fund necessary repairs, estimated at $13.5 million, once the acquisition is secured. “This is the first step, and I’m excited that we’re going to work with the borough water authority to help those residents get some improvements out there,” said Supervisor Omari Patterson.
Though the township’s agreement does not obligate financial backing, it provides a framework for collaboration. The water authority will manage all negotiations and repair planning, as stipulated in their own agreement approved earlier.
Concerns regarding Rock Spring’s infrastructure, which serves around 1,000 customers, have surged following a Spotlight PA investigation revealing persistent low water pressure, outages, and health advisories. The state’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement has been reviewing the company for additional regulatory breaches.
Potential alternatives to the State College authority include Aqua Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania American Water Company, alongside Veolia Water. However, the State College authority is positioned as the most feasible option, as indicated by an engineering report identifying it as the “only logical entity” for the takeover. Local officials remain committed to seeking funding solutions to minimize the financial burden on residents, whose rates could skyrocket with private ownership.
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Photo credit www.spotlightpa.org
