The City of Winslow has been awarded a $7.1 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development that will be used to refurbish the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
On April 22, State Director Alan Stephens, and staff members Loretta Orona and Nancy Veres traveled to Winslow to formally present the funds to Winslow Mayor Robin Boyd and city officials. The wastewater treatment facility is the department’s selection as Arizona Rural Development’s Earth Day 2015 project.
The funds were presented as a low interest, long-term loan that will be used to rehabilitate the treatment facility, which has been in operation since the late 1950s. The facility has undergone several modifications and expansions over the years, but the planned overhaul will mitigate issues with the age and condition of older technology.
“This will really help. The treatment plant needs a serious remodel, and we have some funds set aside, but this will make it go so much quicker,” stated Boyd.
Stephens recognized the city for submitting this project for consideration. “Winslow really had their act together. We are the lead agency for rural development with $1.5 billion invested in Arizona last year toward housing, and community facilities such as hospitals and wastewater treatment plants. A community cannot grow without adequate wastewater facilities,” stated Stephens.
The interest rate on the loan is set at two percent for a period of 40 years, with no penalty for early payment. The project is expected to move quickly, with Mike Krebs of Pace Engineering of Scottsdale consulting on it.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development department has selected the Winslow wastewater treatment facility as its Earth Day Project 2015 for Arizona. Presenting the award to Mayor Robin Boyd (left) is State Director Alan Stephens.
