After countless delays in the reopening of a Centre County hospital, the owners said they expect to finalize a sale in five days.

Officials said Philipsburg Hospital could be open in about nine months.

The latest delay in the hospital's reopening was over water pipes that froze and burst this winter. The owners, creditors and others involved with the facility had to determine who would pay for the damage. Now that a deal has been reached, the sale process is moving forward.

Stan LaFuria, of the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership, said the hospital's reopening will bring back much-needed jobs to the area. About 150 jobs were lost when the hospital closed last year.

"Getting that hospital open is very, very important to this area for the jobs that will be recreated again at the facility and again to have an emergency room," LaFuria said.

Stay with Channel 6 News for continuing coverage.