Roma secures $15M to fix aging water treatment plant

The City of Roma has secured $15 million in state funding to repair and modernize its 30-year-old water treatment plant.

The money was approved by the Texas Water Development Board through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, a program that helps cities pay for water system improvements.

City officials said the project will restore the plant’s full capacity to treat 5.15 million gallons of water per day — enough to meet current demand and support future growth.

Most of the funding does not have to be repaid

The city is receiving significant grant support and low-cost borrowing to reduce the financial burden on local ratepayers.

Of the $15,005,492 approved, $9.57 million will be forgiven and does not have to be repaid.  Another $1.72 million will be provided as a zero-interest loan, and $3.71 million will come in the form of a low-interest loan.

City representatives estimate the financing structure will also save about $3 million in interest costs over time.

What will be fixed

The water treatment plant is about 30 years old. 

The project will replace and repair major components throughout the system — from the point where raw water enters the plant to the equipment that delivers treated water to homes and businesses.

Officials say the upgrades will improve reliability and reduce the risk of service disruptions.

Engineering firm eHT helped the city prepare the funding application and structure the financing package. The firm will continue working with the city on design and construction management.