San Antonio, Texas – Yesterday, the North American Development Bank (NADB) and the Lower Valley Water District (LVWD) signed a $23.05 million loan for the expansion and improvement of the existing water distribution and wastewater collection systems, which will directly benefit more than 9,000 residents in various unincorporated areas of El Paso County, Texas. The loan was executed today in the form of unlimited tax bonds.
“Investing in modern, efficient infrastructure along our border supports the livelihood of countless Texans,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The North American Development Bank has a proven record of improving the quality of life on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, and I commend their investment in clean water for El Paso.”
“This loan will improve the quality of living for thousands of constituents in the El Paso community by updating water and wastewater services,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23). “Funding for our district’s infrastructure, including our waste management, will enable a healthier and safer community.”
LVWD supplies water to 19,442 connections and provides wastewater services to 16,340 connections. Currently, several locations, particularly in LVWD’s southern service area, have been experiencing low-pressure issues that pose a risk for backflow and cross-contamination problems. Also, residents that have water delivered and stored in private on-site tanks have significant risks for exposure to waterborne diseases due to improper handling or the use of unsanitized water tanks or storage containers. The improvements to the water distribution system, which include construction of 45,830 feet of water lines and installation of 175 new residential connections, will increase service reliability and sustainability for approximately 3,000 existing residential connections, as well as provide first-time access to 175 homes.
The Cuadrilla subdivision currently receives deficient service because of an aged and deteriorated wastewater collection system, and residents in subdivisions without access to a sewer system use substandard on-site septic systems that are prone to cause back-ups and odor problems, as well as pose a risk for contaminating the shallow groundwater common to the area. The wastewater improvements include the construction of a package wastewater treatment plant with an estimated capacity to treat up to 0.14 million gallons per day (mgd), the construction of three lift stations and the installation of 810 service connections to provide first-time access to wastewater collection and treatment services for 810 homes, thereby eliminating approximately 0.17 mgd of untreated wastewater.
“We are pleased to partner with the LVWD on this priority project to provide safe and reliable water and wastewater services for thousands of residents in El Paso County,” stated Calixto Mateos-Hanel, NADB Managing Director.
Upon completion, the project will also help improve water resource management and conservation by protecting surface and groundwater from inadequately treated sewage discharges.