Chandler Municipal Authority Receives $5,000,000 Loan for Water System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Chandler Municipal Authority (Authority) received approval for a $5,000,000 Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve their water infrastructure.
The Authority, located in Lincoln County, operates a public water system serving more than 1,300 customers. The system includes a water treatment plant, distribution network, and three storage tanks that provide safe and reliable service to the community. Constructed in 1999, the treatment facility requires upgrades to meet current standards and maintain compliance.
The project will modernize the plant by replacing outdated treatment units, filters, pumps, and controls, and by upgrading its SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, which allows operators to remotely monitor and manage operations. This additional funding will cover cost overruns from the expansion project approved in May 2023 and ensure the continued reliability and efficiency of the community’s water supply. The cost estimate for the overrun funding is $3,701,406.08 which will be funded through the Financial Assistance Program loan not to exceed $5,000,000.
According to Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $1,330,600 compared to traditional financing. The loan shall be secured with a senior lien on the Authority’s water, sewer, and sanitation revenues and will include a mortgage on the water and sewer systems. The lien will be in parity with all other OWRB loans.
Local officials attending the OWRB’s monthly meeting in support of the loan application included City Manager Jason Orr. “Thank you for having me,” said Orr. “Although I hate coming back and asking for more money, I am glad to come down here today.”
“As Chandler continues to grow, so too does the need for updated infrastructure,” said Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston. “This investment in local water systems helps the city stay on top of that growth and continue providing clean water to all its residents,” said Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston.
“I commend the OWRB for approving this funding for the Chandler Municipal Authority,” said Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler. “These upgrades to the water treatment plant will strengthen the reliability of local water services and make a real difference for the community. Supporting safe and efficient water systems in our district is critical, and I truly appreciate OWRB’s continued commitment to these improvements.”
“We are grateful to State Senator Grant Green and State Representative Jim Shaw 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 $8.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
