The Claremore Public Works Authority Receives $29,600,000 Loan for Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Claremore Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for a $29,600,000 Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve their water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
The Authority operates systems serving the Claremore community and they are investing in a comprehensive infrastructure modernization initiative to upgrade the city’s water, wastewater and stormwater systems.
Upgrades to the water distribution system will include designing the replacement or relocation of the 90-year-old raw water intake at Claremore Lake, along with systematically replacing aging cast iron water mains across the 130-mile distribution network.
To expand the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant, the project will also support the construction of a new influent pump station and headworks facility, as well as the ongoing rehabilitation of aging vitrified clay pipes and manholes to mitigate inflow and infiltration issues across the 115-mile collection system.
To address critical drainage deficiencies throughout the City of Claremore, the Authority will re-grade open channels, rehabilitate historic sandstone stormwater tunnels in downtown dating to the 1930s, and replace approximately 3,000 linear feet of damaged corrugated metal storm drains throughout the City.
According to Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $5,621,700 over the life of the 30-year loan compared to traditional financing. The loan shall be secured with a lien on the Authority’s water, sewer, and electric revenues.
Local officials attending the OWRB’s monthly meeting in support of the loan application included City Manager John Feary. “Thank you, members of the Board,” said Feary. “This will account for 10 plus projects over storm, water, and sanitary sewer systems in an aging community and we’re very thankful for you all for any considertaion.”
“This is a major investment in Claremore’s water and wastewater systems that will maintain reliable service for customers,” said Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore. “Additionally, new stormwater improvements will help prevent drainage backups and protect neighborhoods and businesses from flooding when severe storms occur. I’m grateful for the OWRB’s support on this important project.”
"This funding from the OWRB will help Claremore make needed improvements to infrastructure that residents and businesses rely on every day,” said Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore. “These projects will help address aging systems, strengthen essential services and better prepare the community for future growth. This investment will support Claremore’s needs now and for years to come."
“We are grateful to State Senator Ally Seifried, State Senator Julie Daniels, State Representative Mark Lepak and State Representative Tom Gann for their support of our financial assistance programs,” said Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB.
Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $9.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
Established in 1957, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) serves as the state’s water resources planning and development agency. A nine-member Board oversees the OWRB, with members appointed by the Governor to represent nine geographic regions and water-use sectors. The OWRB is committed to managing, protecting, and improving Oklahoma’s water resources to meet long-term water supply, water quality, flood mitigation, and infrastructure needs. For more information, visit Oklahoma.gov/owrb.
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Contact:
Lori Johnson
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Chief, Financial Assistance Division
(405) 530-8800
lori.johnson@owrb.ok.gov
