Perry Municipal Authority Receives $4,110,000 Loan for Water System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – Perry Municipal Authority (Authority) received approval for a $4,110,000 Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve their water infrastructure.
The Authority operates an aging water treatment plant that requires upgrades to maintain reliable service for the community. To improve efficiency and support long-term system performance, the Authority plans to install a new sludge box, which helps remove and manage solids produced during the treatment process. The project also includes constructing a new water main termination to enhance system flow and overall operation. Additional improvements to the treatment plant will further increase operational reliability and ensure the system continues to meet community needs. These upgrades will help strengthen Perry’s water infrastructure and support continued safe, consistent service for residents and businesses.
According to Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $489,600 compared to traditional financing. The loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority’s water and a 2.25 cents sales tax.
Local officials attending the OWRB’s monthly meeting in support of the loan application included City Manager Nate Read. “Thank you to the Board,” began Read. “I have never been so excited about a sludge project in my life. This is a big deal for the City of Perry. This changes where our sludge is accumulating, saving us $500,000 every few years in terms of cleaning out those ponds, so we really appreciate the consideration of this project.”
“These improvements will ensure that Perry’s water system continues to provide safe and reliable service for everyone in the city,” said Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. “Investing in our water infrastructure is an investment in quality of life and the city’s growth. Thanks to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for supporting this project.”
“We are grateful to State Senator Chuck Hall and State Representatives Ty Burns and John Pfeiffer 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.
