Stratford Public Works Authority Receives $1,455,000 Loan for Water System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Stratford Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for a $1,455,000 Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve their water infrastructure.
The Authority operates a public water system serving the Town. Aging infrastructure has contributed to frequent waterline leaks, approximately 31.5% water loss, and service interruptions. The municipal wells require improvements to pumping equipment, piping, valves, electrical systems and motor controls, while the well buildings need general maintenance and the transmission line to the elevated storage tank requires repairs. The proposed project includes electrical upgrades, backup generators at all four well sites, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and telemetry technology to improve system monitoring and water loss tracking, rehabilitation of the chlorination system to improve safety and treatment operations, replacement and upsizing of deteriorated waterlines based on hydraulic analysis, and installation of 100 meter sets and 50 fire hydrants, along with necessary appurtenances. These improvements will help reduce water loss, strengthen system reliability, support safe drinking water delivery and improve the Town’s ability to maintain service during power outages and other disruptions.
According to Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $292,100 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 sanitation revenues and will include a mortgage on the water and sewer systems. This will be the Authority’s first loan with the OWRB.
Local officials attending the OWRB’s monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Water Superintendent Phil Idell. “We appreciate your consideration,” said Idell. “We are trying to get ahead of some problems we see coming up in the future. All our systems are well out of date, so this money is going to go towards renewing all of that. We appreciate it.”
“This Financial Assistance Program loan is exactly what is needed to address aging water infrastructure, improve reliability, reduce water loss and upgrade critical systems for the people of Stratford," said Sen. Jonathan Wingard, R-Ada. "The current equipment is in dire need of maintenance and has reached the point of not only being a safety issue for consumers but there is also a large percentage of water being wasted. These improvements will strengthen the town’s infrastructure, better prepare it for emergencies, save money and provide lasting benefits to residents and businesses. I’m proud to support this investment in a modern, more reliable water system for the community.”
"This OWRB loan will provide critical support for the Stratford Public Works Authority as they work to address aging infrastructure, reduce water loss, and improve the reliability of the community’s water system,” said Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay. “The planned upgrades will help ensure Stratford residents have dependable access to safe, reliable water for years to come."
“We are grateful to State Senator Jonathan Wingard and State Representative Cynthia Roe 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
