FERRIDAY — A water system overhaul for the Town of Ferriday received a major boost Thursday with an approval by the Louisiana Bond Commission.

The water improvement project includes three separate projects — switching the city’s water supply from Old River to ground water wells, replacing outdated and non-functioning water meters and improving the town’s water treatment facility.

Improvements will be paid through a $5 million grant and $1.4 million loan from the USDA.

The funds had to be approved before the bond commission before being released for the project.

The town plans to repay the loan over the course of 40 years and maintain the water system with a $6 increase in water rates.