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Owasso leaders urge $15 million to replace failing nitrification towers to protect river and rates
Summary
Officials and community representatives from Owasso asked the appropriations subcommittee for $15 million to replace three old nitrification towers at the Mid‑County wastewater treatment plant, warning failure could cause permit violations and environmental harm while local ratepayers would face steep bill increases without state help.
Mayor and local leaders from Owasso told the House Appropriations Subcommittee the city needs $15 million to replace three failing nitrification towers at its wastewater treatment plant and avoid both environmental harm to the Shiawassee River and severe rate increases for local residents.
Justin Horvath, president and CEO of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, said the request is necessary to maintain the community's ability to serve industry and preserve economic development. "The request before you is to fund the replacement of 3 nitrification towers at the water treatment center," Horvath said, noting the towers are a critical part of removing ammonia and nitrogen compounds before discharge. Tom Cook of Friends of the Shiawassee River told the committee the towers are roughly 40 years old and their failure could lead to discharges that would "threaten public health" and violate plant permits.
Shelly Akenicki, a local business owner and Owasso school-board member, described the financial impact on ratepayers if the work is not state‑supported. "We are talking about a 108% increase in our water bills over the next 5 years," she said, and offered examples for businesses and the public schools. Witnesses said the city has used Clean Water Revolving Fund loans and local funds but that those sources are insufficient to fund immediate replacement.
Committee members heard that the wastewater system serves a regional population and supports downstream recreation and economy; speakers said replacing the towers now would be cheaper than emergency replacement after a failure. No formal votes or directives were recorded; the testimony was a funding appeal to the Legislature.
