Pennsylvania American Water Signs Agreement to Acquire Borough of Kane Authority’s Wastewater System

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire the wastewater assets of the Borough of Kane Authority in McKean County for approximately $17.5 million. The Authority’s wastewater system serves nearly 2,100 customers in Kane Borough and Wetmore Township.

“We have been providing reliable water service to this area for more than 100 years and are deeply rooted in these communities," said Pennsylvania American Water President Mike Doran. “The proceeds of the sale will support local infrastructure improvements and economic development activities that will be vital to supporting a high quality of living for residents.”

Pennsylvania American Water and the Authority will seek approval of the acquisition from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and other necessary approvals from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

“We look forward to bringing our operational and engineering expertise, as well as our commitment to make necessary capital investments, to improve the wastewater system and ensure its compliance with environmental regulations,” Doran added. “We also plan to welcome Kane’s four wastewater treatment plant operators to the Pennsylvania American Water family.”

The signing of the purchase agreement is the culmination of several years of negotiations between Pennsylvania American Water, the Authority, Kane Borough, and Wetmore Township officials. The company expects to close the transaction in the later part of 2020, pending regulatory approvals.

The pending transaction will be executed under Pennsylvania’s Act 12 statute, which allows municipalities to sell water and wastewater systems for a price based on the fair market value of the facilities. Prior to the passage of Act 12, the valuation process was based on assessing the system’s original cost at the time of construction – which may be 50 years old or more – less depreciation and contributed property.

“The law enacted in 2016 now provides municipalities the opportunity to receive a purchase price that is more reflective of the current value of the system assets,” Doran explained.

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191114005754/en/