PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank has announced a $20 million loan to the Kent County Water Authority (KCWA) for a new West Greenwich administration and maintenance facility.
Financing for the project was provided through the Bank’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Efficient Buildings Fund programs.
Kent County boundaries lie about five miles south of Providence and include the towns of Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich, West Warwick and the City of Warwick. The water users in Kent County not serviced by the Authority are served by privately owned wells or the Warwick Water Department for the City of Warwick.
The Authority is governed by a seven member Board which equitably represent the interest of the existing community customer base in establishes operating policy. By law, two members are appointed by each of the town/city councils in Warwick.
“We have significantly outgrown our current facility, and that is why we are so pleased to partner with the Infrastructure Bank on a $20 million financing package that will allow us to build a brand new, state -of-the-art energy efficient administration and maintenance facility to better serve our customers,” said David L. Simmons, PE, Executive Director and Chief Engineer of Kent County Water Authority. “In addition to meeting the spatial needs for future growth and an enhanced customer service experience, we are excited about the many energy efficiency features that will be integrated into the new building including a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, LED lighting, and enhanced insulation, just to name a few. In addition, the new facility will feature solar panels and charging stations for a fleet of electric vehicles. Combined, these elements will result in significant energy cost savings for the Authority and our customers while simultaneously moving toward our 100/100 goal to provide 100 % of the water service utilizing 100 % renewable energy sources. We want to thank the Infrastructure Bank for working with us to help make this important project a reality.”
“There is nothing more fundamental to Rhode Island’s communities, residents, and businesses than the reliable supply of clean, safe drinking water and that is why we are pleased to make this $20 million loan to enable the Kent County Water Authority to construct their new administration and maintenance facility,” said Infrastructure Bank CEO Jeffrey R. Diehl. “Through the combination of our Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Efficient Buildings Fund programs, this loan will allow the Authority to continue to supply drinking water to their customers for decades to come, while also delivering energy cost savings.”
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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