Mayor Patsy Ward Hoover has says theThe Village of Natchez has received approval for a $2,000,000 loan to fund critical wastewater infrastructure improvements.

The funding, provided through the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), includes a principal forgiveness provision for the full $2,000,000 amount. Under the terms of the agreement, no interest will accrue on the forgiven principal.

“Upon careful review and consideration of your CWSRF pre-application, the loan request is approved,” stated Courtney J. Burdette, Secretary of the LDEQ, in a letter to Natchez Mayor Patsy Ward Hoover.

To finalize the funding, the Village of Natchez must meet several regulatory and financial milestones within the coming months. Required actions include:

• Environmental Documentation: Submission of a request for categorical exclusion or environmental information within 30 to 90 days.

• Rate Study: A formal rate study must be conducted and submitted to the LDEQ within 90 to 120 days.

• Technical Specifications: A complete set of plans and specifications must be submitted within 60 to 120 days.

• Commission Approval: The village must obtain approval from the State Bond Commission within 90 to 120 days.

The loan is required to close by May 11, 2027. Should the village fail to close by the deadline, the project will be removed from the state’s fundable list.