Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Chelsea Economic Development Authority (Authority) received approval for $2,000,000 in funding, including $800,000 in principal forgiveness, on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure.  Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water system will be financed by the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).

The Authority will utilize project funding to construct a new 36-foot diameter solids contact clarifier with a rated capacity of 650 gallons per minute (gpm), along with all necessary appurtenances. This project is a critical step in enhancing the operational reliability and performance of the community’s surface water treatment plant. Once complete, this project will help the Authority maintain compliance with state construction standards and meet the requirements of the Surface Water Treatment Rule—regulations designed to protect public health by minimizing the presence of harmful pathogens in treated water. The investment will also improve water quality, enhance treatment reliability, and support the long-term well-being of Chelsea residents and businesses.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $1,654,000 compared to traditional financing. The DWSRF loan will be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority’s  water, sewer and sanitation services, as well as a 3 cent sales tax.