Lawton Water Authority Receives $1,305,000 Loan for Water and Wastewater System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Lawton Water Authority (Authority) received approval for a $1,305,000 Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve their water infrastructure.
The Authority operates a water distribution system serving the Lawton area and surrounding communities. The funded project will replace and upgrade aging water infrastructure in the Willow Springs community, including water lines, fire hydrants, water meters, and related system components. Many of the existing lines have exceeded their useful life and are deteriorating, increasing the risk of leaks, service disruptions, and maintenance challenges. The improvements will enhance system reliability, strengthen fire protection capabilities, and support the delivery of safe, dependable drinking water. Upon completion, the upgraded infrastructure will be owned and maintained by the Authority, ensuring long-term service and investment in the Willow Springs community.
The project will be fully funded by a FAP loan not to exceed $1,305,000.00.
According to Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $81,800 when compared to traditional financing. The loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority’s water, sewer, and sanitation services.
Local officials attending the OWRB’s monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Director of Public Utilities for the City of Lawton Rusty Whisenhunt. “This Willow Springs area has lines that are roughly 50 years old,” said Whisenhunt. “One of the first improvement districts in Lawton. The ability to improve this district would not be posisble without this loan.”
“This is a much-needed investment that will significantly improve the Willow Springs community whose residents' lives are frequently disrupted by barriers to water access,” said Sen. Spencer Kern, R-Duncan. “Upgrading and replacing the town’s overall deteriorating water infrastructure will ensure reliable access to clean water and help the long-term stability of the community. I am very proud to support this project and am grateful for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for making this possible.”
“We are grateful to State Senator Spencer Kern, State Senator Dusty Deevers, State Representative Rande Worthen, State Representative Trey Caldwell and State Representative Daniel Pae 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 $8.7 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.
