The Spiro Municipal Improvement Authority Receives $3,125,000 Loan for Wastewater System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Spiro Municipal Improvement Authority (Authority) received approval for a $3,125,000 Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve their wastewater infrastructure.
The Authority operates an aging wastewater collection system that is experiencing significant inflow and infiltration—excess water entering the sewer system during rainfall—as well as areas of collapsed piping. These issues have led to unpermitted discharges, prompting the Authority to complete a sanitary sewer evaluation study in 2023 to identify needed upgrades and restore compliance. Based on those findings, the proposed project will rehabilitate manholes, clean and repair main sewer lines, and replace segments of pipe to reduce excess wet-weather flows. These improvements will restore system capacity, reduce the risk of backups and overflows, and extend the life of critical infrastructure. Once complete, the project will enhance the long-term reliability and efficiency of Spiro’s wastewater system while protecting public health and the environment.
According to Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $787,400 compared to traditional financing. The loan shall be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority’s water, sewer, sanitation, and electric services, and a 1 cent sales tax.
Local officials attending the OWRB’s monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Chairman Doug Harper. “I’d like to thank the Board for considering our loan,” said Harper. “This will improve our wastewater rehabilitation and help us with our consent order with the ODEQ.”
"Infrastructure upgrades are an investment in the health, safety, and future of our communities,” said Senator George Burns, R-Pollard. “This $3,125,000 investment into the Spiro community will strengthen local systems and ensure reliable services for the people we serve. I want to thank the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and our local partners for making this significant improvement project possible."
"Maintaining sewer lines and wastewater systems is of great importance to public health,” said Representative Rick West, R-Heavener. “I'm thankful to the OWRB for loaning the City of Spiro the necessary funding to repair these systems to best serve their citizens."
“We are grateful to State Senator George Burns and State Representatives Eddy Dempsey and Rick West 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.
