Commonwealth Failing Chester
The Chester Water Authority (“CWA”) was established in 1939 as a public, non-profit corporation for the purpose of providing potable water, and now serves customers in Western Delaware County, Southern Chester County and the City of Chester. The CWA Board is comprised of nine members appointed by the City of Chester Council, Delaware County Council, and the Chester County Commissioners.
If the DCED and its hand-picked Receiver for the City of Chester are permitted to seize CWA assets to cover up the shortfalls they created in Chester, it will be to the detriment of the residents of Chester, as well as the 79% of CWA ratepayers who reside throughout Chester County and Delaware County in dozens of other townships and boroughs. All CWA ratepayers, regardless of where they live, will pay significantly higher water rates if the City, DCED and for-profit water companies are successful in seizing and selling CWA’s assets. 7
The DCED’s 25-Year Oversight of Chester’s Finances has Seen Chester Go From a Balanced Budget to Insolvency in the Last 8 Years