The Salina Public Works Authority Receives $950,000 Water System Funding from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY –The Salina Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for $950,000 in funding Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) with 100% principal forgiveness to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water system will be financed by the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
The Authority will utilize the proceeds to complete the construction of the Blue Goose and Pine Crest booster pump stations. This project will significantly improve water pressure and reliability for residents and businesses in the community. These upgrades will ensure the water system can meet current and future demands, enhancing the quality of life and supporting local growth.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $1,446,500 compared to traditional financing.
“The construction of the Blue Goose and Pine Crest booster pump stations will be an important step for the Salina community,” said Senator Julie McIntosh, R-Porter. “Access to reliable, high-quality drinking water is essential for the health and well-being of our residents, and this project demonstrates our commitment to strengthening local infrastructure.”
"These projects to benefit the residents of Salina are much appreciated. Clean and safe drinking water is of the utmost importance for the health of our citizens, and I appreciate the foresight of OWRB to meet these needs," said Majority Floor Leader Josh West, R-Grove.
Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB, and Rob Singletary, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), express their sincere appreciation to State Senators Micheal Bergstrom and Julie McIntosh and Majority Floor Leader Josh West for their support of the DWSRF program.
The DWSRF program is administered by the OWRB and the ODEQ with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The DWSRF program has provided approximately $2.4 billion in drinking water loans to provide communities 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 $7.7 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
