MARLIN, Texas — The City of Marlin is in a state of emergency after yet another water crisis, which has left residents and businesses struggling to meet basic daily needs.
The city's water system has long been frustrating, with ongoing issues dating back years. Residents have repeatedly reported problems with water pressure and contamination, and now, the situation has escalated to the point of emergency.
Local healthcare workers cannot properly clean after their shifts, and schools are forced to close their doors due to the lack of reliable water.
"We decided that it was best to close school on Tuesday just because we could not offer a safe and secure environment for our students and staff," said Marlin Independent School District Superintendent Darryl Henson.
"I got bodily fluid on me, quite a bit of it. I've had fecal matter, I've had urine and I had vomit on my uniform; I just wanted to come home, take a shower," said Marlin Resident and healthcare worker Dustin Ulmer. "That's all I wanted."
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has provided financial assistance to the city in the past to help address water infrastructure problems, including a $6.33 million commitment in 2019 for water system improvements. Despite this, the city continues to struggle with its water supply.
"Where did the money go?" asked Ulmer, echoing concerns of many residents. "Like come on, 10.5 million for a town of less than 6,000 people. Where is that money at?"
In a statement from the TWDB, they said they do monitor the progress of projects that it funds.
"The TWDB actively monitors the progress of projects it funds by reviewing submittals and issuing approvals for key milestones during planning, design, and construction, all the way through project close-out. The TWDB also conducts a final site visit on each construction contract the agency funds and issues a certificate of approval, certifying that the work has been completed in accordance with approved plans and specifications."
As for any additional financial help for the city given the continued water problems, TWDB shared the following.
"The TWDB has a variety of financial assistance programs to address future infrastructure needs, including the SRF programs, the Texas Water Development Fund (DFund), the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) program and others. The best opportunity for principal forgiveness, like the City of Marlin has received in the past, would be through the SRF programs."
The City of Marlin has also submitted a form to receive even more funding for their wastewater treatment facility in 2025.
"The City of Marlin submitted a project information form (a short application that gives the TWDB information to score and rank projects) for the 2025 CWSRF cycle for $9,593,530 to rehabilitate and upgrade its wastewater treatment facility. The City qualifies for up to 70 percent principal forgiveness as a disadvantaged community, but it has not yet been determined if the City will be invited to submit a full financial assistance application due to limited program funds. "
An overview of Marlin's ongoing TWDB funded projects can be found below.
- Water System Improvements
- Funded through the DWSRF program
- The City received a commitment for financial assistance in 2019 for $6,330,000 (comprised of a $2,330,000 loan and $4,000,000 in principal forgiveness)
- The City qualified for principal forgiveness as a disadvantaged community. The City also received zero-percent interest on the loan amount, to be repaid over 30 years.
- Water Quality Protection/Stormwater Management
- Funded through the CWSRF program
- The City received a commitment for financial assistance in 2019 for $4,245,000 (comprised of a $3,055,000 loan and $1,190,000 in principal forgiveness)
- The City qualified for principal forgiveness as a disadvantaged community. The City also received zero-percent interest on the loan amount, to be repaid over 30 years.
- Water Quality Protection - Phase 2
- Funded through the CWSRF program
- The City received a commitment for financial assistance in 2022 for $2,880,000 (comprised of a $970,000 loan and $1,910,000 in principal forgiveness)
- The City qualified for principal forgiveness as a disadvantaged community. The loan obligation has a blended interest rate of 1.96% to be repaid over 30 years.
This is a developing story, stay updated here on 6 News.
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