The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) recently awarded Arlington Water Utilities $5,456,300 in financial assistance for a construction project that will improve wastewater flows in the city while helping to protect creeks and streams.
The TWDB funding will include a low interest loan for $4.65 million and a $806,300 "green grant" that does not have to be repaid. The loan forgiveness portion of the award is reserved for projects that demonstrate environmental stewardship. The Board estimates Arlington residents will save about $801,209 over the next 20 years because of the lower interest rate loan.
The Water Development Board awards funding from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund based on applications from cities and other community water systems in Texas. The recently financed project is set to begin later this year. It will include:
- Replacement or rehabilitation of about 4,050 feet of existing 24-inch sanitary sewer main located in the Lake Arlington Golf Course area, off West Green Oaks Boulevard. The main is a collection point for other sanitary sewer lines in the city. From there, wastewater flows toward the Trinity River Authority's wastewater treatment plant in west Dallas.
- Replacement or rehabilitation of 2,516 feet of 8" to 15"-inch aerial crossings, or mains that cross streams or creeks, in five locations throughout the city. Arlington Water recently conducted a geomorphology study to analyze risk of aerial crossing failures throughout the city. Such failures can negatively affect water quality and harm wildlife.
"We value the Texas Water Development Board's leadership in assisting cities like Arlington in financing critical utility infrastructure replacement at below market interest rates, thus benefiting our residents for years to come," said Arlington Water Utilities Director Buzz Pishkur. "With the board's help, Arlington Water has secured nearly $30 million in financial assistance for drinking water and wastewater projects since 2014. It is a relationship we look forward to continuing."
Interest savings on previous TWDB loans is expected to save Arlington Water customers $551,994 in fiscal year 2018.
The TWDB award that was announced in February is the first in 2018 for Arlington Water. The department received two TWDB green grants totaling $1,277,638 and $16.2 million in low interest loans in 2017. Previous awards in 2014 and 2016 totaled $6.5 million in assistance.
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