Johnson County, KANSAS – State officials said that the financing package from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will fund construction of at least four sections of waterlines that will provide more efficient hydraulic operation of its distribution system that was previously expanded to include a neighboring rural water district. The system serves about 6,400 customers in Johnson County.
“KDHE is proud to be a partner in helping public water supply systems sustainably improve infrastructure and continue to ensure public health,” Leo Henning, KDHE Director of Environment, said.
Completion of these projects is planned for Winter 2022 and will ensure the drinking water system remains in good operation for the long-term future.
“This project is one aspect of cooperation between entities who believed in combining resources served its patrons better, than singularly,” said Allan Soetaert, Johnson County Rural Water District No. 7’s District Manager. “The Water District is excited to have also received cooperation and encouragement from KDHE in this significant waterline improvement project that will benefit its customers for a long period of time.”
Financing for the improvements to Johnson County Rural Water District No. 7 was made possible through a loan provided by KDHE with joint funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Using the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan (KPWSLF), KDHE has provided a $4,235,000 million loan, of which $1,270,500 in principal will be forgiven.
The KPWSLF provides financing for municipal drinking water infrastructure at interest rates that are below market. Since 1989, the KPWSLF has provided more than $1 billion to over 250 municipalities in Kansas.
