FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2015
DEP AWARDS
MORE THAN $17 MILLION IN INTEREST-FREE LOANS TO OPA-LOCKA FOR REHABILITATION OF
WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
~Revised
loan rules allow interest-free loans for qualifying communities~
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida
Department of Environmental Protection is awarding an interest-free loan to the
city of Opa-Locka as part of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program. The
$17.4 million loan will be used to replace aging drinking-water pipes, purchase
new pump stations and install new treatment equipment.
“The department is committed to assisting local governments with the implementation of important projects like this one,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “We are helping communities across Florida improve their water quality and protect public safety.”
Project
improvements will address Opa-Locka’s wastewater treatment infrastructure needs
for years to come, reduce stormwater floods through improved drainage and
improve water quality by installing modern drinking and wastewater pipes.
“I would
like to express my gratitude to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,”
said Kelvin L. Baker, city manager of Opa-Locka. “The infrastructure changes
will dramatically and positively affect our vision for annexation, boost our
economy and create jobs in our community.”
The Clean
Water State Revolving Fund program was established in 1989 to provide
low-interest financing for the planning, design and construction of wastewater
and stormwater facilities. In compliance with the Clean Water Act, this program
has awarded nearly $4 billion in loans since its inception, and more than $1.4
billion in funding for 96 projects in just the past five years. Funded by
federal grants, state matching funds, loan repayments and interest earnings,
state revolving fund loans are offered at low interest rates. Repayments from
earlier loans are used to make new loans, allowing the program to continue
operating.
For more
information on the State Revolving Fund program, click here.
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