The City of Mart remains steadfast in rebuilding and repairing the infrastructure of our city to better the quality of life for our citizens, as can be seen from the ongoing USDA funded water system improvements and continued efforts to better our street conditions.

As many know, the City’s wastewater (sewer) system has been in desperate need of repair for many years. For the past few years, the City of Mart has applied for grant funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for improvements to our wastewater plant and sewer lines. 

This year, TWDB has offered the City of Mart a $4.25 million grant and a 30-year $3 million no-interest loan to build a brand new sewer plant and to replace nearly 8,000 feet of sewer lines in town. This is an incredible offer that we cannot afford to pass up.

We cannot take on the loan at our current sewer rates, which are well below the state average for a system of our size. Therefore, earlier this month, after working with financial advisors required by TWDB, the Mart City Council passed a $3 per month rate increase to all wastewater customers to help pay for these improvements. This will begin on your next water bills. 

At this time, the City does not foresee the need to raise tax rates to take on this loan. 

Closing on the funding is expected in March 2022 with construction happening in 2023.

This wastewater plant is another infrastructure improvement that has been needed in the past, but the city has been unable to afford, however, with a $4.25 million grant and nearly $2 million saved with a no-interest loan the City of Mart can now provide these improvements for current and future generations of Mart Texans.