LBWD applies for water improvement loan

Lake Bruin Water District 1, which services a population of 1,188,  is among the current comprehensive list of applicants for water improvement loans.
This project consists of replacing a deteriorated 75,000-gallon elevated storage tank, 30,000-gallon ground storage tank, and booster station (all to be demolished as part of project) with a new 150,000-gallon glass-lined GST and booster station with variable frequency drive motors. The project will also consist of replacing all existing water meters with new radio-read meters and the replacement of several creek crossings in the distribution system. This system purchases all of its water from Tensas Water Disrict, a surface water system.
The estimatd amount of the loan is $1,128,000.
The Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund Program (DWRLF) was established in 1997 in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 to provide low-interest loans and technical assistance to public water systems in the state to assist them in complying with Federal and State drinking water regulations and to ensure that their customers are being provided with safe drinking water in order to protect the public health. This program is funded through Environmental Protection Agency capitalization grants which are matched each year with 20% state monies.
Their mission is to improve the public health of Louisiana citizens by assisting public water systems with delivering safe and affordable drinking water.The goal of the DWRLF is to provide assistance in the form of low-interest loans and technical assistance to public water systems in the state to assist them in complying with state and federal drinking water regulations to ensure that their customers are being provided with safe drinking water in order to protect the public health.
Jennifer Wilson, program manager for Louisiana’s DWRLF, said her office helps public water systems comply with state and federal regulations while ensuring safe drinking water for their customers.  DWRLF provides low-interest loans and technical assistance, she said.
 “Determining how much money may be available for a project is dependent upon many factors, including the federal government’s yearly allotted funds for loans and the progress of projects in the loan system,” said Wilson, who noted that the program is funded through Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) capitalization grants that are matched with state dollars.
 This new interest rate will be for future loans which do not receive principal forgiveness, and DWRLF will not refinance existing loans or reduce the rate on already closed loans, and/or those still drawing.
 Nearly 1,400 public drinking water systems across Louisiana supply water to customers each day.  The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals oversees the state’s drinking water utilities to make sure drinking water is delivered to consumers according to all federal and state standards.
 Wilson said public water companies interested in the loan program can visit the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund page on Facebook or go to the www.dhh.louisiana.gov website.  Wilson can also be reached directly at 225-342-7499.

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