The Sallisaw Municipal Authority Receives $1,457,143 Wastewater System Loan with 100% Principal Forgiveness from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Sallisaw Municipal Authority (Authority) received approval for a $1,457,143 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 wastewater treatment system that serves more than 3,000 connections in the community. To meet future growth and restore compliance with environmental standards, the Authority is moving forward with the planning and design of a new sequencing batch reactor wastewater treatment plant. The project will include modern treatment features such as new digesters, an influent lift station, grit removal systems, and upgraded disinfection facilities. Designed to handle up to 5 million gallons per day, the new plant will replace the aging facility and provide more reliable service. Once completed, the project will protect water quality, reduce potential impacts on aquatic life and recreation, and ensure long-term environmental compliance for the community.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $2,247,543 compared to traditional financing.
“This project is an important step in addressing regulatory challenges while preparing Sallisaw for future growth,” said Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville. “Investing in modern wastewater treatment ensures compliance, protects our environment, and supports the community’s long-term needs.”
“Reliable water and wastewater service is essential to the health and prosperity of Sallisaw. This effort will not only fix immediate issues but also provide the capacity needed to sustain the community well into the future,” said Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain.
“We are grateful to State Senators Tom Woods and Warren Hamilton and State Representative Jim Olsen 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.
