OPELOUSAS, La. (NEWS 15) — The City of Opelousas Water System is investing $17 million in infrastructure improvements that will deliver better drinking water to about 6,500 customers through upgrades to water mains, service lines, wells, and storage tanks.
The $17 million is funded through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered through Louisiana’s DWRLF program. The state’s annual DWRLF BIL General Supplemental Fund allotment is $28,744,400, with funds distributed to rural water systems statewide. For the City of Opelousas, up to $3 million of the loan is subject to principal forgiveness, with the remaining $14 million eligible for repayment at a low interest rate of 2.45%.
The project will reduce water leaks, improve pressure, and help identify and reduce unaccounted-for water loss throughout the city’s distribution system…