NEW BOSTON, Texas-Riverbend Water Resources District's Board of Directors approved a final application for a $200 million loan from the Texas Water Development Board during their regular meeting Wednesday.
The funding, which is made available through the State Water Infrastructure Fund for Texas program, would be used for a new water intake structure on Wright Patman Lake, a new raw water line to TexAmericas Center for industrial growth and a new water treatment plant to serve Riverbend's 16 member entities, including the city of Texarkana, Texas.
Riverbend Chairman Fred Milton said the $200 million is an estimate, and that the amount could change once the preliminary designs are firmed up. He added that the price could actually be less than the current estimate.
"It is monumental that we are here today," he said. "I thank all our member city entities in our three counties for staying focused, for understanding the specifics of the infrastructure needs and for their assistance in planning for us to get to this juncture in time. We are optimistic about what the future holds for us to position ourselves from a water perspective for the next 50 to 60 years. I'm thankful to all who have participated. It has certainly been a team effort."
Riverbend is a conservation and reclamation district that provides water and waste water services to the Red River Army Depot and the TexAmericas Center industrial park with a 12,000 acre footprint. Riverbend formally represents the counties of Bowie, Cass and Red River, along with the TexAmericas Center and the cities of Annona, Atlanta, Avery, DeKalb, Hooks, Leary, Maud, Nash, New Boston, Redwater, Texarkana, Texas and Wake Village.
Milton said the next step includes TWDB reviewing the application and finalizing the funding by the end of the year.
"One of our next steps is to finalize the language in our new water supply contracts with member entities," he said. "Those include suggestions for changes in the wording and getting to point to where we have a contractual relationship for the wholesale water provided through that new infrastructure
Also the member entities have performed a review and analysis of water rates and have agreed by resolution to support repayment of the debt."
Milton added that they are working to position the area to not only provide more water for industrial use and attract businesses through the Regional Economic Development Initiative, but to also eliminate some of the issues with the production of treated water to the municipalities.
"This is the first step to a great fix," he said.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for 12 p.m. Monday, June 24, at the Riverbend Offices, 228A Texas Avenue, New Boston, Texas.