The Toho Water Authority is set to embark on a significant infrastructure overhaul, having secured a sizeable $188.3 million loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This investment is expected to vigorously propel forward the construction and refurbishment of water systems in Osceola and Polk counties, affecting over 450,000 residents. According to WFTV, Mae Wu, the EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water, stated the low-interest federal loan will "support public health and environmental protection, population growth and economic opportunity in Central Florida."

These infrastructure upgrades are not only poised to reinforce the region's clean water supply but are also expected to generate an estimated 1,750 jobs. Congressman Darren Soto (D-Florida) announced the financial backing of the loan's significance for securing a future of adequate water supply for the burgeoning community. The modernization drive, known as the One Water Program, will also encompass the expansion of water treatment facilities and the installation of various water mains and pump stations.

Toho Water officials have indicated that this initiative is aimed at lessening the dependency on fresh groundwater by increasing the utilization of potable and non-potable water resources. This aligns with the utility's long-term vision for a "resilient" water system tailored to a region experiencing steady growth and heightened demand for clean water.

The financing, delivered through the EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program, builds upon Toho Water Authority's prior $40 million WIFIA grant. Todd Swingle, Toho Water Authority CEO/Executive Director, expressed gratitude for the loan, stating "We now embark on our Toho One Water Initiative and say thank you," as reported by Around Osceola. He noted the crucial role of the WIFIA loan in bringing their Accelerated Gravity Sewer Replacement Program near to completion, a project with a budget exceeding $80 million.

They are intended to integrate advanced technologies for enhancing water quality, ramp up system resilience, and curtail operational costs. Zapata emphasized that these advancements would deliver cleaner, more reliable water and establish a robust, sustainable infrastructure to aid growing populations in Polk and Osceola Counties.