Duncan, Oklahoma, is set to receive a significant boost to its vital water and wastewater infrastructure courtesy of a multimillion-dollar loan approved by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB). As reported by the Oklahoma State Senate, State Senator Kendal Sacchieri (R-Blanchard) has highlighted the loan's significance, stressing the essential nature of reliable water infrastructure for rural and small-town communities throughout Oklahoma.
Sacchieri emphasized, "Reliable water infrastructure is not optional. It is a basic government function and the foundation of every rural and small-town community in Oklahoma." These sentiments underline the years of necessity that have led local systems like Duncan's to need to stretch equipment well beyond its intended lifespan, prompting inefficiencies, compliance issues, and growing maintenance costs. The OWRB's $13.52 million loan aims to address these concerns by aiding in various infrastructure improvements.
The financed project includes a broad scope of upgrades crucial for the Duncan Public Utilities Authority, which serves over 9,000 connections in Stephens County. Instrumental changes include the modernization of the SCADA system, rehabilitation of water towers and lift stations, as well as replacement of outmoded waterlines and other critical components at the water treatment facility. It's estimated that through this loan, Duncan will save upwards of $4 million compared to conventional borrowing methods, according to the Oklahoma State Senate.
"This investment is a necessary step forward," affirmed Sacchieri. He continued to express enthusiasm over the progress being made to confront the water and infrastructure challenges not only in Stephens County but also across District 43. The measures taken are overdue but fundamental in protecting public health and ensuring rural towns remain sustainable. Financing for these projects is structured via a lien on revenues from the Authority's diverse service offerings and a one-cent sales tax, strategically avoiding placing a mortgage on the utility systems themselves.
Historically, since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has been pivotal in improving the state's water and wastewater infrastructure, approving over $8.3 billion in loans and grants. These initiatives poignantly illustrate the continuous commitment to maintaining and advancing Oklahoma's essential services, which ultimately bolster the public good and secure the well-being of the state's communities, as mentioned in the same press release.
