Lexington Public Works Authority Receives $1,500,000 Wastewater System Loan with 100% Principal Forgiveness from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – Lexington Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for a $1,500,000 loan with 100% principal forgiveness on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the wastewater system will be financed by the Oklahoma Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).
The Authority operates a water and wastewater system serving more than 700 connections in Cleveland County. To restore compliance with state environmental standards, the Authority will undertake a citywide sanitary sewer evaluation survey (SSES). This effort will identify areas where groundwater and stormwater are entering the sewer system, causing strain on the wastewater treatment plant and leading to water quality concerns. The survey will guide future infrastructure improvements to reduce these issues, protect water resources, and ensure reliable service for residents and businesses. The project represents a critical step toward strengthening the community’s wastewater system for long-term sustainability.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $2,481,000 compared to traditional financing.
“Clean and reliable water and sewer services are vital to the health and well-being of our community," said Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay. "I am pleased that Lexington will receive this funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This investment will help ensure residents have safe, dependable services, protect public health and support the continued growth and quality of life in our community.”
“We are grateful to State Senators Shane Jett and Kendal Sacchieri and State Representative Cynthia Roe for their support of our financial assistance programs,” said Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB.
The CWSRF program is administered by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CWSRF program has provided approximately $2.9 billion in water quality loans to provide communities with the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources statewide.
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.
