The Savoy Swords Water System has been awarded a $913,000 loan from the Louisiana Department of Health’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund (DWRLF) program to construct a new water well for residents, according to a news release.
The water system serves a 240-square-mile area between Eunice and Lawtell, mainly along U.S. 190. The water system is named for two landmark crossroads in the area: Savoy, which sits at the intersection of La. 95, and Swords, which marked the location of an old cotton gin at the intersection of La.752.
“Our system services more than 2,400 water customers in the region. These customers will benefit from a more reliable system, allowing us to maintain quality service to the area and positioning us for growth should we begin to see new development,” said Brian Soileau, general manager of the Savoy Swords Water System.
Soileau said the funding will pay for a new second well at the Richard well field, provide needed repairs to the system’s ground storage tanks and provide for a new pneumatic tank pressure system.
“We currently have three wells at our Chataignier location and one well at Richard. By constructing a new well at the Richard well field, we will provide a much needed back up at that location, which currently serves as the primary water source for nearly one-third of our customers,” Soileau said.
The DWRLF funding for the project, which was awarded late last year, is provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) General Supplemental Loan that is part of a federal funding initiative for drinking water and wastewater system infrastructure improvement projects across the United States.
The funds have a mandated subsidy (principal forgiveness) of 49%, with the remaining 51% as a low-interest loan. The interest rate for the loan portion of the project has been set at 2.45%.
“Safe drinking water is fundamental to community health. This program helps communities throughout Louisiana keep their water as safe as possible without placing an undue burden in the form of expensive financing,” said LDH Chief Engineer Amanda Ames.
Ames noted that the annual allotment for LDH’s DWRLF program for the General Supplemental Fund is $28,744,000. Eligible projects have a cap of $3 million principal forgiveness.
Project Engineer David Naomi said the Savoy Swords construction project has received a construction bid, which is awaiting final approval from the state. Naomi said he anticipates approval in the coming month and location work to begin later this spring.
