Texas Water Development Board approves $7,367,173 to the City of Arp (Smith County) for water system improvements

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

AUSTIN – (August 19, 2021) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) today approved by resolution financial assistance in the amount of $7,367,173, consisting of $1,602,000 in financing and $5,765,173 in loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to the City of Arp (Smith County). The City will use the assistance to finance planning, acquisition, design, and construction costs of a water system improvement project.

In addition to the principal forgiveness, the City could save approximately $823,000 over the life of the loan by using the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

With the assistance approved today, the City will replace approximately 41,000 linear feet of asbestos cement, cast iron, and galvanized iron pipes with high density polyethylene pipe and replace existing meters with an automatic meter reading system. The project will also include the replacement of existing fire hydrants, valves, and valve boxes within the system.

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