The Edmond Public Works Authority Receives $416,000,000 Loan for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Edmond Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for a $416,000 Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve their water infrastructure.

The Authority owns and operates one water treatment plant, 12 water storage tanks and associated transmission and distribution mains. The Authority relies on a combination of local groundwater and surface water to supply its drinking water demands. The Authority’s Water Master Plan recommended a higher reliance on surface water from Arcadia Lake to meet the growing demands of the population. A three-phase project was proposed to expand the existing Arcadia water treatment plant originally constructed in 1987. The Authority is requesting a loan for the third phase of this project.

The scope of this phase includes elements upstream of the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) contactors that will be required to expand the capacity from 12 million gallons per day to 30 million gallons per day. This project will include pre-ozone contactors, solids contact clarifiers, post-ozone contactors, filters and two large chemical buildings. The proposed plan for this project is to relocate these elements to a new elevated site, recently acquired by the City of Edmond, that will eliminate the need for any intermediate pumping.

According to Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $8,083,100 when compared to traditional financing. The loan shall be secured with a subordinate lien on the revenues of the Authority’s water, sewer, sanitation, and electric systems and a 2 cents sales tax.

Local officials attending the OWRB’s monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Engineer for Edmond Public Works Authority Will Huggins. “I just want to extend appreciation from EPWA and the City of Edmond and its water utility users for consideration of this very, very important project to finish out the renewal expansion of the water treatment plant,” said Huggins.

"This project will increase efficiency and expand capacity at Edmond's water treatment plant to guarantee that the city can continue providing all residents pristine drinking water,” said Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond. “Every dollar we put toward our local infrastructure is an investment in making sure Edmond remains a great place to live, work and do business."

"As Edmond continues to grow at a remarkable pace, the city’s long-term planning and vision for maintaining and updating its critical infrastructure is essential to keeping up with local growth,” said Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond. “This major investment to expand the water treatment plant at Lake Arcadia will support future development across Edmond and ensure residents and businesses continue to have reliable water service.”

"Reliable infrastructure plays an important role in any growing community,” said Senator Kelly Hines, R-Oklahoma City. “This investment in Edmond's water treatment system will meet the demands of the city’s booming population. It also signals to employers and local developers that Edmond is preparing now for future growth. This is a huge project that will pay dividends for Edmond for decades to come."

"As the Edmond community continues to grow, we must ensure families and businesses have access to a safe, reliable water supply,” said Representative Erick Harris, R-Edmond. “Expanding and modernizing the Arcadia Lake water treatment plant will strengthen critical infrastructure, improve efficiency and help meet the city's needs for decades to come. I'm grateful to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for partnering with our community on this important project."

"Reliable water infrastructure is one of the most important investments we can make to support public health and quality of life,” said Representative Mike Osburn, R-Edmond. “This will help Edmond continue providing dependable water service while preparing our community for the future. I appreciate the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for recognizing the importance of this need and making this significant investment in our community."

"Arcadia Lake is an important source of water for the City of Edmond," said Representative John George, R-Newalla. "I'm glad to see the attention being paid to the water treatment plant, ensuring residents will have clean water for years to come."

"Reliable water service is essential to every home and business, and thoughtful planning is key to ensuring it remains dependable," Representative Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, said. "This significant investment will strengthen Edmond’s water infrastructure and help meet the needs of families and businesses for years to come. I appreciate the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Edmond Public Works Authority for working together to make this critically important project possible."

“We are grateful to State Senator Adam Pugh, State Senator Kristen Thompson, State Senator Kelly Hines, State Senator Grant Green, State Representative Erick Harris, State Representative Mike Osburn, State Representative Preston Stinson, State Representative John George and State Representative Nicole Miller for their support of our financial assistance programs,” said Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $8.75 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.