Water isn’t the only thing flowing in Watonga. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved a $14 million loan for improvement to the wastewater plant and to construct a drinking water treatment plant.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to be able to move forward on the wastewater and water treatment projects with the approval of this loan,” said Karrie Little, Watonga City Manager.
The drinking water facility will use ion exchange to remove nitrates. It will also house a salt storage system for the plant.
At the wastewater plant, the money will plan, design and construct offices, a grit removal and digestion systems.
Joe Freeman, part of the OWRB financial assistance division, said the city’s customers will save more than $3 million over the life of the loan as compared to a 31-year traditional loan.
The loan was secured by a lien placed on money collected by the water, sewer, electrical and sanitation systems. Voters recently passed a sales tax earmarked for infrastructure improvements as well.
Mayor Bill Seitter said “We have done a lot lately and continue to move forward on our water and wastewater system improvements. We appreciate the Board’s consideration as we move toward the next steps.”
Sen. Darcy Jech said the loan shows the hard work put in by the city. “This kind of loan saves communities a lot of interest. In the case of Watonga, about $3.6 million. So kudos to the mayor and the staff for putting in a good application. And credit should also go to the OWRB,” he added.
For its part, Julie Cunningham, executive director of the water resources board said, “We are grateful to Senator Darcy Jech and Representative Mike Dobrinski for their support of our financial assistance programs.”
The loan was accounted for in the recently unveiled city budget.