Bucks Co. Commissioners Approve $25M Lake Galena, Peace Valley Park Conservation Proposal

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Bucks County Commissioners approved a proposal on Wednesday to permanently protect the public’s right to access and enjoy Lake Galena and Peace Valley Park, as well as safeguard the park's water supply and wildlife habitation.

The plan, proposed by the nonprofit Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, would net the county $24.7 million in revenue.

Under the proposal, Lake Galena's dam and its water runoff rights would be leased for 50 years to the sewer authority, which would agree to conservation easements, restrictive covenants, and access easements that would ensure the county’s and the public’s continued enjoyment of Lake Galena. Peace Valley Park, which surrounds the lake, would remain a county-owned asset.

The sewer authority would absorb the costs and responsibility for operating and maintaining the lake’s 47-year-old dam, while providing the county with immediate revenue in the amount of $24.7 million.

This plan falls in line with the 2020 Bucks County Transition Report’s recommendation for more preservation, protection, and improvement of county parklands — which specifically addresses Peace Valley Park — while also bringing significant revenue into the county.

On Wednesday, commissioner Bob Harvie emphasized that public use of the park would stay the same. In fact, by preventing development on the land for the coming 50 years, this agreement would safeguard the park to ensure things stay as they are.

“Bucks County has the preeminent parks system in the region and we are very proud to do everything in our power to ensure that generations from now, Bucks Countians will still be hiking, biking, boating, and fishing at Peace Valley Park and Lake Galena,” said Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia. “At the same time, this administration is committed to reducing the burden on taxpayers, and this proposal would keep track with those commitments as well as the recommendations of our transition committee.”

Chief Financial Officer David Boscola emphasized the financial benefits of the proposal, which still needs to be approved by the county solicitor.

“This is an opportunity for a win-win for Bucks County, whose residents would no longer have to foot the bill for the dam’s upkeep and eventual replacement,” Boscola said.

Revenue from the agreement would be reflected in a future revision of the 2022 preliminary operating budget, set to be voted on at the Dec. 15 commissioners’ meeting.

Major environmental assets to the county, Peace Valley Park is 1,500 acres and Lake Galena has a reservoir surface area of 365 acres. Lake Galena was formed in 1974 by the damming of Neshaminy Creek’s north branch.

Peace Valley Park is home to the Peace Valley Nature Center, contains hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and has been named an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society.

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