Texas Water Development Board approves $2,440,000 in financial assistance to the City of Olney (Young County) for development of an indirect potable reuse system

For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129

AUSTIN – (January 8, 2015) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) today approved by resolution financial assistance in the amount of $2,440,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to the City of Olney (Young County). The assistance will allow the City to finance construction costs associated with the development of an indirect potable reuse system.

The City could save approximately $491,636 over the life of the loan by using the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

The City of Olney has been in stage four water use restrictions since February 2013 and its water supply lakes are at critical stages. With the assistance approved today, the City will augment its water supply by diverting a portion of the effluent from its wastewater treatment plant to Lake Olney, treating the effluent, and blending it with water from Lakes Olney and Cooper. When complete, the reuse system will allow the City to better meet the demands associated with the ongoing drought.

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning, and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state’s water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.