$18 million going to improve Blackwell's water system

The Blackwell Municipal Authority has received approval for an $18,840,000 Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to fund significant improvements to the city's water treatment infrastructure.

Approved during the OWRB's monthly meeting Tuesday, the loan will finance a comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade of Blackwell's water treatment plant. Planned improvements include modernization of the filtration system, upgrades to residuals handling facilities, yard piping and plant hydraulics, electrical and control systems, pumping and process systems, and the selective demolition of obsolete facilities. The project also includes all necessary appurtenances and services to complete the work.

According to the OWRB, the improvements will enhance treatment process control, increase system redundancy, improve maintainability, and strengthen the overall reliability and resiliency of the city's water treatment plant.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, said the financing package will save Blackwell Municipal Authority customers an estimated $2,448,000 compared to traditional financing methods. The loan will be secured by a lien on revenues generated by the Authority's water, sewer and sanitation services, as well as a mortgage on the city's water, sewer and electric systems and a 1.5-cent sales tax.

Blackwell City Manager Jerry Wieland attended the OWRB meeting in support of the loan application.

"On behalf of the City of Blackwell and its citizens, we greatly appreciate your consideration of this," Wieland said.

State Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Orlando, also praised the project.

"This project will improve water quality and efficiency for Blackwell residents, which I know is much appreciated," Pfeiffer said. "I'm thankful for the OWRB's attention to this much-needed update."

OWRB Executive Director Julie Cunningham expressed appreciation for the support of local lawmakers.

"We are grateful to State Senator Roland Pederson and State Representative John Pfeiffer for their support of our financial assistance programs," Cunningham said.

Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved more than $8.75 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the state.

Established in 1957, the OWRB serves as Oklahoma's water resources planning and development agency. Governed by a nine-member board appointed by the governor, the agency is responsible for managing, protecting and improving the state's water resources to meet long-term water supply, water quality, flood mitigation and infrastructure needs. Additional information is available at Oklahoma.gov/owrb.