FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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PHOENIX, June 19, 2024 -

[CAMP VERDE, Arizona] –The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) announced today that it has closed a $16.3 million loan with the Yavapai-Apache Nation. This loan, which includes $1,650,000 in non-repayable forgivable principal, will provide financing for a wastewater treatment facility to replace an outdated sewage lagoon system on the Yavapai-Apache Nation Reservation. This loan will be provided through WIFA’s federally funded Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

The lagoon system currently serves 176 connections within the Reservation, the Nation's Cliff Castle Casino & Hotel, the Yavapai-Apache Nation Cultural Center. Replacing the lagoon system, which sits only 750 feet from the Verde River, will provide a safer and more reliable treatment method for the community’s wastewater. The Nation also plans to integrate the high-quality reclaimed water generated by the system into its agricultural operations for irrigation.

“WIFA is thrilled to partner with the Yavapai-Apache Nation to provide affordable, low-cost financing for this critical water infrastructure project,” said Chuck Podolak, WIFA’s Director. “Replacing the lagoons with a modern wastewater treatment facility will improve overall health, sanitation, and water security for the Nation and for all communities who rely on the Verde River.”

“Construction of the Middle Verde Water Reclamation Facility, projected to begin in September 2024 and to be completed in the spring of 2026, will allow the Nation to develop much-needed housing on the Middle Verde Reservation as well as open the door to additional economic development along Middle Verde Road near the Nation’s Cliff Castle Casino, development that would not be possible without the expanded wastewater treatment capacity of the new facility” said Tanya Lewis, the Nation’s Chairwoman.

About WIFA

WIFA is a state agency dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of Arizona's present and future water supply through financial investments in effective augmentation, conservation, reuse, and water quality. WIFA is Arizona's administrator of the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), providing low-interest loans and technical assistance to water and clean water infrastructure projects, as well as three new funds aimed at conserving water and identifying new supplies. Over the last 30 years, WIFA has proudly invested almost $3 billion in communities throughout Arizona driving sustainable solutions and helping to secure Arizona’s water future.

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