Bixby Public Works Authority Receives $9,850,000 Loan for Water and Wastewater System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Bixby Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for a $9,850,000 Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve their water and wastewater infrastructure.
The Bixby Public Works Authority operates the water and wastewater systems serving over 12,000 active water connections and 10,800 sewer connections across Tulsa and Wagoner counties. As the city continues to grow, aging infrastructure presents increasing challenges to system reliability and service. To address its most critical needs, the Authority will undertake five major improvement projects. The largest project being funded is the extension of the Bixby Creek Interceptor, which will include installation of 3,462 linear feet (lf) of 16” force main (fm), 2,375 lf of 18” sewer line, 2,518 lf of 24” sewer, 5,600 lf of 8” water line, and modifications to the Latern Hill, South Main, and Ellard lift stations. Additional projects include closing the water line loop at Sheridan and 141st by installing approximately 2,640 lf of water line and a boost station, improvements at the 126th street lift station, replacing clay sewer lines in downtown Bixby, and installation of a new lift station in the Spring Tree area of Bixby, along with all appurtenances required to complete the 5 projects. These projects will enhance capacity, improve service efficiency, and support continued development.
The Authority is requesting an FAP loan not to exceed $9.85 million, which includes funds to establish a debt service reserve. The loan will be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority’s water and sewer services, along with a three-cent sales tax.
Local officials attending the OWRB’s monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Public Works Director Bea Aamodt. “As was said, Bixby's growth in the last 3 decades has made it necessary for us to continue expanding our infrastructure and revisit some of our infrastructure for improvement,” said Aamodt. “This loan is going to help us do both. We appreciate your consideration.”
“We are grateful to State Legislators from the Bixby area for their continued support of our financial assistance programs,” said Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB.
Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $8.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
