UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) | |
☒ |
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2022 | |
| |
OR | |
| |
☐ |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period from ___________to ___________ |
Commission File Number 0-422
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey |
22-1114430 |
(State of incorporation) |
(IRS employer identification no.) |
485C Route One South, Iselin, New Jersey08830
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(732) 634-1500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
|
Title of each class |
Trading Symbol(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered | |||
Common Stock |
MSEX |
NASDAQ | ||||
|
|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☒ |
Accelerated filer ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer ☐ | ||
Smaller reporting company ☐ |
Emerging growth company ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of Common Stock, as of July 29, 2022: Common Stock, No Par Value: 17,609,794 shares outstanding.
INDEX
Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 17 |
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk | 26 |
Item 4.Controls and Procedures | 27 |
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION | |
Item 1.Legal Proceedings | 28 |
Item 1A.Risk Factors | 28 |
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 28 |
Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities | 28 |
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures | 28 |
Item 5.Other Information | 28 |
Item 6.Exhibits | 29 |
SIGNATURES | 30 |
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 | |||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues |
$ |
39,683 |
$ |
36,701 |
$ |
75,879 |
$ |
69,242 | ||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Operations and Maintenance |
19,557 |
17,959 |
38,695 |
36,315 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation |
5,670 |
5,187 |
11,292 |
10,019 | ||||||||||||
Other Taxes |
4,368 |
3,741 |
8,512 |
7,460 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses |
29,595 |
26,887 |
58,499 |
53,794 | ||||||||||||
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary |
- |
- |
5,232 |
- | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Operating Income |
10,088 |
9,814 |
22,612 |
15,448 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Other Income (Expense): | ||||||||||||||||
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction |
548 |
768 |
926 |
2,031 | ||||||||||||
Other Income (Expense), net |
1,396 |
790 |
2,773 |
1,564 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Total Other Income, net |
1,944 |
1,558 |
3,699 |
3,595 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Interest Charges |
2,369 |
2,070 |
4,219 |
3,808 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Income before Income Taxes |
9,663 |
9,302 |
22,092 |
15,235 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Income Taxes |
795 |
(1,621 |
) |
1,124 |
(2,593 |
) | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Net Income |
8,868 |
10,923 |
20,968 |
17,828 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements |
30 |
30 |
60 |
60 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock |
$ |
8,838 |
$ |
10,893 |
$ |
20,908 |
$ |
17,768 | ||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share of Common Stock: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ |
0.50 |
$ |
0.62 |
$ |
1.19 |
$ |
1.02 | ||||||||
Diluted |
$ |
0.50 |
$ |
0.62 |
$ |
1.18 |
$ |
1.01 | ||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic |
17,583 |
17,488 |
17,560 |
17,482 | ||||||||||||
Diluted |
17,698 |
17,603 |
17,675 |
17,597 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK AND LONG-TERM DEBT
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
|
|
June 30, |
|
December 31, |
| ||||
|
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
| ||||
Common Stock, No Par Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Shares Authorized - 40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Outstanding - 2022 - 17,604; 2021 - 17,522 |
|
$ |
229,037 |
|
|
$ |
221,919 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained Earnings |
|
|
156,531 |
|
|
|
145,807 |
|
|
TOTAL COMMON EQUITY |
|
$ |
385,568 |
|
|
$ |
367,726 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative Preferred Stock, No Par Value: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Authorized - 120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Outstanding - 20 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Convertible: |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 10 |
|
$ |
1,005 |
|
|
$ |
1,005 |
|
|
Nonredeemable: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 1 |
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
Shares Outstanding, $4.75 Series - 10 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
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TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK |
|
$ |
2,084 |
|
|
$ |
2,084 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term Debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Mortgage Bonds, 0.00% - 5.50%, due 2023 - 2059 |
|
$ |
255,641 |
|
|
$ |
203,892 |
|
|
Amortizing Secured Notes, 3.94% - 7.05%, due 2028 - 2046 |
|
|
46,266 |
|
|
|
47,613 |
|
|
State Revolving Trust Notes, 2.00% - 4.22%, due 2022 - 2041 |
|
|
9,365 |
|
|
|
7,510 |
|
|
Construction Loans, 0.00% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
52,131 |
|
|
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT |
|
|
311,272 |
|
|
|
311,146 |
|
|
Add: Premium on Issuance of Long-term Debt |
|
|
7,072 |
|
|
|
7,271 |
|
|
Less: Unamortized Debt Expense |
|
|
(5,119 |
) |
|
|
(5,166 |
) |
|
Less: Current Portion of Long-term Debt |
|
|
(7,814 |
) |
|
|
(6,731 |
) |
|
TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT |
|
$ |
305,411 |
|
|
$ |
306,520 |
|
|
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Common |
Common | |||||||||||||||
Stock |
Stock |
Retained | ||||||||||||||
Shares |
Amount |
Earnings |
Total | |||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at April 1, 2021 |
17,478 |
$ |
217,977 |
$ |
130,873 |
$ |
348,850 | |||||||||
Net Income |
- |
- |
10,923 |
10,923 | ||||||||||||
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan |
3 |
272 |
- |
272 | ||||||||||||
Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees |
6 |
(394 |
) |
- |
(394 |
) | ||||||||||
Restricted Stock Award - Board of Directors |
3 |
245 |
- |
245 | ||||||||||||
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.2725 per share) |
- |
- |
(4,768 |
) |
(4,768 |
) | ||||||||||
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock |
- |
- |
(30 |
) |
(30 |
) | ||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2021 |
17,490 |
|
|
$ |
218,100 |
|
|
$ |
136,998 |
|
|
$ |
355,098 | |||
| ||||||||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2021 |
17,473 |
$ |
217,451 |
$ |
128,757 |
$ |
346,208 | |||||||||
Net Income |
- |
- |
17,828 |
17,828 | ||||||||||||
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan |
8 |
596 |
- |
596 | ||||||||||||
Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees |
6 |
(192 |
) |
- |
(192 |
) | ||||||||||
Restricted Stock Award - Board of Directors |
3 |
245 |
245 | |||||||||||||
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.5450 per share) |
- |
- |
(9,527 |
) |
(9,527 |
) | ||||||||||
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock |
- |
- |
(60 |
) |
(60 |
) | ||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2021 |
17,490 |
$ |
218,100 |
$ |
136,998 |
$ |
355,098 | |||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at April 1, 2022 |
17,551 |
$ |
225,092 |
$ |
152,790 |
$ |
377,882 | |||||||||
Net Income |
- |
- |
8,868 |
8,868 | ||||||||||||
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan |
47 |
4,134 |
- |
4,134 | ||||||||||||
Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees |
3 |
(469 |
) |
- |
(469 |
) | ||||||||||
Restricted Stock Award - Board of Directors |
3 |
280 |
- |
280 | ||||||||||||
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.2900 per share) |
- |
- |
(5,097 |
) |
(5,097 |
) | ||||||||||
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock |
- |
- |
(30 |
) |
(30 |
) | ||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 |
17,604 |
|
|
$ |
229,037 |
|
|
$ |
156,531 |
|
|
$ |
385,568 | |||
| ||||||||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2022 |
17,522 |
$ |
221,919 |
$ |
145,807 |
$ |
367,726 | |||||||||
Net Income |
- |
- |
20,968 |
20,968 | ||||||||||||
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan |
76 |
7,039 |
- |
7,039 | ||||||||||||
Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees |
3 |
(201 |
) |
- |
(201 |
) | ||||||||||
Restricted Stock Award - Board of Directors |
3 |
280 |
- |
280 | ||||||||||||
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.5800 per share) |
- |
- |
(10,184 |
) |
(10,184 |
) | ||||||||||
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock |
- |
- |
(60 |
) |
(60 |
) | ||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 |
17,604 |
$ |
229,037 |
$ |
156,531 |
$ |
385,568 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Recent Developments
Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex or the Company) is the parent company and sole shareholder of Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), Pinelands Water Company (Pinelands Water) and Pinelands Wastewater Company (Pinelands Wastewater) (collectively, Pinelands), Utility Service Affiliates, Inc. (USA), and Utility Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy) Inc. (USA-PA). Southern Shores Water Company, LLC (Southern Shores) and White Marsh Environmental Systems, Inc. (White Marsh) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tidewater. The financial statements for Middlesex and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are reported on a consolidated basis. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
The consolidated notes within the 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the 2021 Form 10-K) are applicable to these financial statements and, in the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary (including normal recurring accruals) to present fairly the financial position as of June 30, 2022, the results of operations for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 and cash flows for the six month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021. Information included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021, has been derived from the Company’s December 31, 2021 audited financial statements included in the 2021 Form 10-K.
Recent Developments
Regulatory Notice of Non-Compliance – In September 2021, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a Notice of Non-Compliance (Notice) to Middlesex based on self-reporting by Middlesex that the level of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in water treated at its Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant in South Plainfield, New Jersey exceeded a recently promulgated NJDEP standard effective in 2021. Neither the NJDEP nor Middlesex has characterized this exceedance as an acute health threat. However, Middlesex was required to notify its affected customers and complied in November 2021 as required by the regulation. Further, the Notice required the Company to take any action necessary to comply with the new standard by September 7, 2022. Middlesex has provided current sampling results to the NJDEP indicating compliance with the new standard and is awaiting confirmation from the NJDEP.
The NJDEP standard for PFOA was developed based on a Health-based Maximum Contaminant Level of 14 parts per trillion. Construction of an enhanced treatment process at the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant to comply with the new standard had already begun prior to the regulation being enacted. Since completion is not expected until mid-2023, in December 2021, the Company implemented an interim solution to meet the Notice requirements. The Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant was taken off-line and alternate sources of supply have been obtained. Simultaneously, the Company began design of an acceleration of a portion of the Park Avenue Wellfield treatment upgrades to meet anticipated increases in the historical higher water demand periods during the summer months.
In June 2022, Phase 1 construction of an advanced treatment facility at its Park Avenue Wellfield was completed and the treatment facility is effectively treating ground water to ensure compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards. Working in coordination with the NJDEP, Middlesex has begun a phased, start-up of its Park Avenue Wellfield and is successfully introducing treated water into the distribution system. Water being delivered to customers is in compliance with all USEPA and NJDEP drinking water standards, including the newly established water quality standard for PFOA. The Park Avenue wells had been turned off since December 2021 when the Company had begun providing additional water from its surface water treatment plant and other sources. This plan to turn on, and treat, certain wells to support normal heightened seasonal demand was met with full approval from state regulatory agencies.
In November 2021, the Company was served with two PFOA-related class action lawsuits seeking restitution for medical, water replacement and other claimed related costs. These lawsuits are in the early stages of the legal process and their ultimate resolution cannot be predicted at this time. The Company’s insurance provider has acknowledged coverage of potential liability which may result from these lawsuits. In May 2022, the Company impleaded 3M Company (3M) as a third-party defendant in one of these class action lawsuits. The Company has taken this action in addition to a separate lawsuit the Company initiated against 3M seeking to hold 3M accountable for introduction of perfluoroalkyl substances, which include PFOA, into the Company’s water supply at its Park Avenue Wellfield facility.
In January 2022, the Company filed a petition with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) seeking to establish a regulatory asset and deferred accounting treatment until its next base rate setting proceeding for all costs associated with the interim solution to comply with the Notice. The Company is currently awaiting a decision on this matter from the NJBPU.
While the Company believes monetary penalties are unlikely, the issuance of the Notice does not preclude the State of New Jersey or any of its agencies from initiating formal administrative and/or judicial enforcement action, including assessment of penalties of up to $25,000 per day per offense if the Company is unable to maintain compliance with the requirements of the Notice by September 7, 2022.
Sale of Subsidiary – In January 2022, Middlesex closed on the Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC) approved sale of 100% of the common stock of its subsidiary Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc. to Artesian Wastewater Management, Inc. for $6.4 million in cash and other consideration, resulting in a $5.2 million pre-tax gain. The Company will continue to own and operate its non-regulated water and wastewater contract operations business in Delaware.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic – On April 13, 2022, the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services renewed the determination that a nationwide health emergency exists as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. While the Company’s operations and capital construction program have not been materially disrupted to date from the pandemic, the COVID-19 impact on economic conditions nationally continues to be uncertain and could affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity in the future. In New Jersey, the declared COVID-19 State of Emergency ended in March 2022. In Delaware, the declared COVID-19 State of Emergency Order ended in July 2021.
The NJBPU and the DEPSC have approved the tracking of COVID-19 related incremental costs for potential recovery in customer rates in future rate proceedings. Neither jurisdiction has established a timetable or definitive formal procedures for seeking cost recovery. Since March 2020, the Company has increased its allowance for doubtful accounts for expected increases in accounts receivable write-offs due to the financial impact of COVID-19 on customers. Since the ultimate rate treatment to be determined by the NJBPU and the DEPSC regarding incremental costs related to COVID-19 is not definitively known at this time, the Company has not deferred any such costs. We will continue to monitor the effects of COVID-19 and evaluate its impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Recent Accounting Guidance
There is no new adopted or proposed accounting guidance that the Company is aware of that could have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters
Middlesex – In December 2021, Middlesex’s petition to the NJBPU seeking permission to increase its base water rates was concluded, based on a negotiated settlement, resulting in an expected increase in annual operating revenues of $27.7 million. The approved tariff rates were designed to recover increased operating costs as well as a return on invested capital of $513.5 million, based on an authorized return on common equity of 9.6%. The increase is being implemented in two phases with $20.7 million of the increase effective January 1, 2022 and the remaining $7.0 million effective January 1, 2023. As part of the negotiated settlement, the Purchased Water Adjustment Clause (PWAC), which is a rate mechanism that allows for recovery of increased purchased water costs between base rate case filings, was reset to zero.
In March 2022, Middlesex filed a petition with the NJBPU seeking approval to set its PWAC tariff rate to recover additional costs of $3.7 million for the purchase of treated water from a non-affiliated water utility regulated by the NJBPU. We cannot predict whether the NJBPU will ultimately approve, deny or reduce the amount of our request.
Tidewater – On June 23, 2022, the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate filed a petition with the DEPSC requesting that Tidewater’s rates be reduced based on the claim that Tidewater has been earning above its authorized rate of return. Tidewater intends to vigorously defend against this proposed rate reduction based on current and near-term anticipated increases in operating costs and capital investments. Tidewater cannot predict whether the DEPSC will ultimately approve, deny or reduce the amount of the requested rate reduction.
In June 2022, Tidewater notified the DEPSC of its intention to likely file for a base water rate increase in the first quarter of 2023 based on projected increases in operational expenses and capital spending.
Twin Lakes Utilities, Inc. (Twin Lakes) - Twin Lakes provides water services to approximately 115 residential customers in Shohola, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code, Twin Lakes filed a petition requesting the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PAPUC) to order the acquisition of Twin Lakes by a capable public utility. The PAPUC assigned an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to adjudicate the matter and submit a recommended decision (Recommended Decision) to the PAPUC. As part of this legal proceeding the PAPUC also issued an Order in January 2021 appointing a large Pennsylvania based investor-owned water utility as the receiver (the Receiver Utility) of the Twin Lakes system until the petition is fully adjudicated by the PAPUC. In November 2021, the PAPUC issued an Order affirming the ALJ’s Recommended Decision, ordering the Receiver Utility to acquire the Twin Lakes water system and for Middlesex to submit $1.7 million into an escrow account within 30 days. Twin Lakes immediately filed a Petition For Review (PFR) with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania (the Pennsylvania Court) seeking reversal and vacation of the escrow requirement on the grounds that it violates the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code as well as the United States Constitution. In addition, Twin Lakes filed an emergency petition for stay of the PAPUC Order pending the Pennsylvania Court’s review of the merits arguments contained in Twin Lakes’ PFR. In December 2021, the Pennsylvania Court granted Twin Lakes’ emergency petition, pending its review. The timing of the final decision by the Pennsylvania Court and the final adjudication of this matter cannot be predicted at this time.
The financial results, total assets and financial obligations of Twin Lakes are not material to Middlesex.
Note 3 – Capitalization
Common Stock –During the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, there were 76,550 common shares (approximately $7.0 million) and 7,787 common shares (approximately $0.6 million) respectively, issued under the Middlesex Water Company Investment Plan (the Investment Plan). The 3% purchase discount offering period on the Company’s common stock through the Investment Plan is set to expire on August 1, 2022. 200,000 shares were originally allocated to the offering and there remains approximately 93,000 shares available as of June 30, 2022. The discount applies to all common stock purchases made under the Investment Plan during the discount period, whether by optional cash payment or by dividend reinvestment.
Long-term Debt – In May 2022, Middlesex repaid its two outstanding New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) construction loans by issuing First Mortgage Bonds (FMBs) to the NJIB under two loan agreements. The total amount of FMBs issued is $52.2 million and designated as Series 2022A ($16.2 million) and Series 2022B ($36.0 million). The interest rate on the Series 2022A bond is zero and the interest rate on the Series 2022B bond ranges between 2.7% and 3.0%. The final maturity date for both FMBs is August 1, 2056, with scheduled debt service payments over the life of these loans.
In November 2021, Tidewater received approval from the DEPSC to borrow up to $5.0 million under the Delaware State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program for construction of a one million gallon elevated storage tank. Tidewater closed on the $5.0 million loan at an interest rate of 2.0% in December 2021 and began receiving disbursements in January 2022. Through June 30, 2022, Tidewater has drawn a total of $2.2 million and expects borrowing under this loan to continue through mid-2023. The final maturity date on the loan is 2044.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosure for financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The carrying amounts reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and notes payable approximate their respective fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of FMBs and SRF Bonds (collectively, the Bonds) issued by Middlesex is based on quoted market prices for similar publicly traded issues. Under the fair value hierarchy, the fair value of cash and cash equivalents is classified as a Level 1 measurement and the fair value of notes payable and the Bonds in the table below are classified as Level 2 measurements. The carrying amount and fair value of the Bonds were as follows:
(Thousands of Dollars) | ||||
June 30, 2022 |
December 31, 2021 | |||
Carrying |
Fair |
Carrying |
Fair | |
Amount |
Value |
Amount |
Value | |
FMBs |
$150,642 |
$149,500 |
$98,828 |
$107,781 |
It was not practicable to estimate their fair value on our outstanding long-term debt for which there is no quoted market price and there is not an active trading market. For details, including carrying value, interest rates and due dates on these series of long-term debt, please refer to those series noted as “Amortizing Secured Note”, “State Revolving Trust Note”, “State Revolving Trust Bond”, “Construction Loans” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital Stock and Long-Term Debt). The carrying amount of these instruments was $160.6 million and $212.3 million at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Customer advances for construction have carrying amounts of $22.9 million and $23.5 million at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Their relative fair values cannot be accurately estimated since future refund payments depend on several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate increases.
Substantially all of the utility plant of the Company is subject to the lien of its mortgage, which includes debt service and capital ratio covenants. The Company is in compliance with all of its mortgage covenants and restrictions.
Note 4 – Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) are computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period presented. Diluted EPS assumes the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series.
(In Thousands Except per Share Amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 | |||||||||||||||
Basic: |
Income |
Shares |
Income |
Shares | ||||||||||||
Net Income |
$ |
8,868 |
17,583 |
$ |
10,923 |
17,488 | ||||||||||
Preferred Dividend |
(30 |
) |
(30 |
) | ||||||||||||
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock |
$ |
8,838 |
17,583 |
$ |
10,893 |
17,488 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Basic EPS |
$ |
0.50 |
$ |
0.62 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Diluted: | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock |
$ |
8,838 |
17,583 |
$ |
10,893 |
17,488 | ||||||||||
$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend |
17 |
115 |
17 |
115 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to Common Stock |
$ |
8,855 |
17,698 |
$ |
10,910 |
17,603 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Diluted EPS |
$ |
0.50 |
$ |
0.62 |
(In Thousands Except per Share Amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 | |||||||||||||||
Basic: |
Income |
Shares |
Income |
Shares | ||||||||||||
Net Income |
$ |
20,968 |
17,560 |
$ |
17,828 |
17,482 | ||||||||||
Preferred Dividend |
(60 |
) |
(60 |
) | ||||||||||||
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock |
$ |
20,908 |
17,560 |
$ |
17,768 |
17,482 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Basic EPS |
$ |
1.19 |
$ |
1.02 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Diluted: | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock |
$ |
20,908 |
17,560 |
$ |
17,768 |
17,482 | ||||||||||
$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend |
34 |
115 |
34 |
115 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to Common Stock |
$ |
20,942 |
17,675 |
$ |
17,802 |
17,597 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Diluted EPS |
$ |
1.18 |
$ |
1.01 |
Note 5 – Business Segment Data
The Company has identified two reportable segments. One is the regulated business of collecting, treating and distributing water on a retail and wholesale basis to residential, commercial, industrial and fire protection customers in parts of New Jersey and Delaware. This segment also includes regulated wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware. The Company is subject to regulations as to its rates, services and other matters by New Jersey and Delaware with respect to utility services within these states. The other segment is primarily comprised of non-regulated contract services for the operation and maintenance of municipal and private water and wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware. Inter-segment transactions relating to operational costs are treated as pass-through expenses. Finance charges on inter-segment loan activities are based on interest rates that are below what would normally be charged by a third party lender.
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, |
June 30, | |||||||||||||||
Operations by Segments: |
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 | ||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Regulated |
$ |
37,037 |
$ |
33,609 |
$ |
70,361 |
$ |
63,030 | ||||||||
Non – Regulated |
2,875 |
3,405 |
5,885 |
6,662 | ||||||||||||
Inter-segment Elimination |
(229 |
) |
(313 |
) |
(367 |
) |
(450 |
) | ||||||||
Consolidated Revenues |
$ |
39,683 |
$ |
36,701 |
$ |
75,879 |
$ |
69,242 | ||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Operating Income: | ||||||||||||||||
Regulated |
$ |
9,336 |
$ |
8,711 |
$ |
21,043 |
$ |
13,427 | ||||||||
Non – Regulated |
752 |
1,103 |
1,569 |
2,021 | ||||||||||||
Consolidated Operating Income |
$ |
10,088 |
$ |
9,814 |
$ |
22,612 |
$ |
15,448 | ||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Net Income: | ||||||||||||||||
Regulated |
$ |
8,314 |
$ |
10,108 |
$ |
19,814 |
$ |
16,347 | ||||||||
Non – Regulated |
554 |
815 |
1,154 |
1,481 | ||||||||||||
Consolidated Net Income |
$ |
8,868 |
$ |
10,923 |
$ |
20,968 |
$ |
17,828 | ||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Capital Expenditures: | ||||||||||||||||
Regulated |
$ |
22,549 |
$ |
24,391 |
$ |
39,134 |
$ |
46,354 | ||||||||
Non – Regulated |
163 |
76 |
209 |
146 | ||||||||||||
Total Capital Expenditures |
$ |
22,712 |
$ |
24,467 |
$ |
39,343 |
$ |
46,500 |
Note 6 – Short-term Borrowings
The Company maintains lines of credit aggregating $140.0 million.
(Millions) | |||||||||||||||||
As of June 30, 2022 |
Renewal Date | ||||||||||||||||
Outstanding |
Available |
Maximum |
Credit Type | ||||||||||||||
Bank of America |
$ |
2.0 |
$ |
58.0 |
$ |
60.0 |
Uncommitted |
January 26, 2023 | |||||||||
PNC Bank |
25.5 |
42.5 |
68.0 |
Committed |
January 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||
CoBank |
- |
12.0 |
12.0 |
Committed |
November 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||
$ |
27.5 |
$ |
112.5 |
$ |
140.0 |
The interest rate for borrowings under the Bank of America and PNC Bank lines of credit is set using the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index and adding a credit spread, which varies by financial institution. The interest rate for borrowings under the CoBank line of credit are set weekly using CoBank’s internal cost of funds index that is similar to the Standard Overnight Financing Rate and adding a credit spread. There is no requirement for a compensating balance under any of the established lines of credit.
The weighted average interest rate on the outstanding borrowings at June 30, 2022 under these credit lines is 2.16%.
The weighted average daily amounts of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s lines of credit and the weighted average interest rates on those amounts were as follows:
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
June 30, |
June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 | ||||||||||||
Average Daily Amounts Outstanding |
$ |
20,527 |
$ |
19,665 |
$ |
17,006 |
$ |
13,843 | |||||||
Weighted Average Interest Rates |
1.88 |
% |
1.18 |
% |
1.58 |
% |
1.16 |
% |
The maturity dates for the $27.5 million outstanding as of June 30, 2022 are in July 2022 and and were or are expected to be extended at the discretion of the Company.
Note 7 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Water Supply - Middlesex has an agreement with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) for the purchase of untreated water through November 30, 2023, which provides for an average purchase of 27 million gallons a day (mgd). Pricing is set annually by the NJWSA through a public rate making process. The agreement has provisions for additional pricing in the event Middlesex overdrafts or exceeds certain monthly and annual thresholds.
Middlesex has an agreement with a non-affiliated regulated water utility for the purchase of treated water. This agreement, which expires February 27, 2026, provides for the minimum purchase of 3 mgd of treated water with provisions for additional purchases.
Tidewater contracts with the City of Dover, Delaware to purchase 15 million gallons of treated water annually.
Purchased water costs are shown below:
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
|
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
|
June 30, |
June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 | |||||||||||||
Treated |
|
$ |
785 |
$ |
871 |
$ |
1,531 |
$ |
1,748 | |||||||
Untreated |
|
739 |
782 |
1,550 |
1,642 | |||||||||||
Total Costs |
|
$ |
1,524 |
$ |
1,653 |
$ |
3,081 |
$ |
3,390 |
Guarantees - As part of an agreement with the County of Monmouth, New Jersey (County), prior to 2020 Middlesex had served as guarantor of the performance of an unaffiliated wastewater treatment contractor and partner (Contractor), to operate a County-owned leachate pretreatment facility.
In November 2019, Middlesex was notified that the County terminated its Agreement with the Contractor. The Contractor had initiated legal action against the County that, in part, contests the County’s exercise of this termination. The County filed a counter-claim against the Contractor’s parent company and has brought Middlesex into the suit as a third-party defendant. Our ongoing monitoring of this litigation has led to the conclusion that we do not anticipate the ultimate outcome will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
Leases - The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Generally, a lease agreement exists if the Company determines that the arrangement gives the Company control over the use of an identified asset and obtains substantially all of the benefits from the identified asset.
The Company has entered into an operating lease of office space for administrative purposes, expiring in 2030. The Company has not entered into any finance leases. The exercise of a lease renewal option for the Company’s administrative offices is solely at the discretion of the Company.
The right-of-use (ROU) asset recorded represents the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liability represents the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company’s operating lease does not provide an implicit discount rate and as such the Company used an estimated incremental borrowing rate (4.03%) based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.
Given the impacts of accounting for regulated operations, and the resulting recognition of expense at the amounts recovered in customer rates, expenditures for operating leases are consistent with lease expense and were $0.2 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively and $0.4 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Information related to operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities is as follows:
|
(In Millions) | ||||||||
|
As of June 30, 2022 |
As of December 31, 2021 | |||||||
ROU Asset at Lease Inception |
|
$ |
7.3 |
$ |
7.3 | ||||
Accumulated Amortization |
|
(3.1 |
) |
(2.8 |
) | ||||
Current ROU Asset |
|
$ |
4.2 |
$ |
4.5 |
The Company’s future minimum operating lease commitments as of June 30, 2022 are as follows:
Construction - The Company has forecasted to spend approximately $90 million for its construction program in 2022. The Company has entered into several construction contracts that, in the aggregate, obligate expenditure of an estimated $35 million in the future. The actual amount and timing of capital expenditures is dependent on the need for replacement of existing infrastructure, customer growth, residential new home construction and sales, project scheduling, supply chain issues and continued refinement of project scope and costs and could be impacted if the effects of new variants of COVID-19 pandemic arise and continue for an extended period of time (for further discussion of the impact of COVID-19 on the Company, see Note 1 - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic). There is no assurance that projected customer growth and residential new home construction and sales will occur.
PFOA Matter - In November 2021, the Company was served with two PFOA-related class action lawsuits seeking restitution for medical, water replacement and other related costs and economic damages. These lawsuits are in the early stages of the legal process and their ultimate resolution cannot be predicted at this time. The Company’s insurance provider has acknowledged coverage of potential liability resulting from these lawsuits (for further discussion of this matter, see Note 1 - Regulatory Notice of Non-Compliance).
Contingencies - Based on our operations in the heavily-regulated water and wastewater industries, the Company is routinely involved in disputes, claims, lawsuits and other regulatory and legal matters, including responsibility for fines and penalties relative to regulatory compliance. At this time, Management does not believe the final resolution of any such matters, whether asserted or unasserted, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, the Company maintains business insurance coverage that may mitigate the effect of any current or future loss contingencies.
Change in Control Agreements - The Company has Change in Control Agreements with certain of its officers that provide compensation and benefits in the event of termination of employment in connection with a change in control of the Company.
Note 8 – Employee Benefit Plans
Pension Benefits - The Company’s defined benefit pension plan (Pension Plan) covers all active employees hired prior to April 1, 2007. Employees hired after March 31, 2007 are not eligible to participate in this plan, but do participate in a defined contribution plan that provides for a potential annual contribution in an amount at the discretion of the Company, based upon a percentage of the participants’ annual paid compensation. For each of the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not make cash contributions to the Pension Plan. The Company expects to make cash contributions of approximately $3.4 million over the remainder of the current year. The Company also maintains an unfunded supplemental retirement benefit plan for certain active and retired Company officers and currently pays $0.4 million in annual benefits to the retired participants.
Other Postretirement Benefits - The Company’s retirement plan other than pensions (Other Benefits Plan) covers substantially all currently eligible retired employees. Employees hired after March 31, 2007 are not eligible to participate in this plan. Coverage includes healthcare and life insurance. For the three- month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not make Other Benefits Plan cash contributions. The Company does not expect to make any additional Other Benefits Plan cash contributions over the remainder of the current calendar year.
The following tables set forth information relating to the Company’s periodic costs for its employee retirement benefit plans:
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Pension Benefits |
Other Benefits | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 | |||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Service Cost |
$ |
591 |
$ |
674 |
$ |
200 |
$ |
229 | ||||||||
Interest Cost |
761 |
677 |
331 |
309 | ||||||||||||
Expected Return on Assets |
(1,760 |
) |
(1,556 |
) |
(887 |
) |
(786 |
) | ||||||||
Amortization of Unrecognized Losses |
418 |
717 |
- |
132 | ||||||||||||
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Benefit)* |
$ |
10 |
$ |
512 |
$ |
(356 |
) |
$ |
(116 |
) |
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Pension Benefits |
Other Benefits | |||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 | |||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Service Cost |
$ |
1,181 |
$ |
1,348 |
$ |
399 |
$ |
458 | ||||||||
Interest Cost |
1,521 |
1,353 |
663 |
618 | ||||||||||||
Expected Return on Assets |
(3,520 |
) |
(3,114 |
) |
(1,773 |
) |
(1,571 |
) | ||||||||
Amortization of Unrecognized Losses |
837 |
1,434 |
- |
264 | ||||||||||||
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Benefit)* |
$ |
19 |
$ |
1,021 |
$ |
(711 |
) |
$ |
(231 |
) |
*Service cost is included in Operations and Maintenance expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income; all other amounts are included in Other Income/Expense, net.
Note 9 – Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers
The Company’s revenues are primarily generated from regulated tariff-based sales of water and wastewater services and non-regulated operation and maintenance contracts for services on water and wastewater systems owned by others. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when control of a promised good or service is transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services.
The Company’s regulated revenue from contracts with customers results from tariff-based sales from the provision of water and wastewater services to residential, industrial, commercial, fire-protection and wholesale customers. Residential customers are billed quarterly while most industrial, commercial, fire-protection and wholesale customers are billed monthly. Payments by customers are due between 15 and 30 days after the invoice date. Revenue is recognized as the water and wastewater services are delivered to customers as well as from accrual of unbilled revenues estimated from the last meter reading date to the end of the accounting period utilizing factors such as historical customer data, regional weather indicators and general economic conditions in the relevant service territories. Unearned Revenues and Advance Service Fees include fixed service charge billings in advance to Tidewater customers recognized as service is provided to the customer.
Non-regulated service contract revenues consist of base service fees, as well as fees for additional billable services provided to customers. Fees are billed monthly and are due within 30 days after the invoice date. The Company considers the amounts billed to represent the value of these services provided to customers. These contracts expire at various times through June 2030 and contain remaining performance obligations for which the Company expects to recognize revenue in the future. These contracts also contain termination provisions.
Substantially all of the amounts included in operating revenues and accounts receivable are from contracts with customers. The Company records its allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical write-offs combined with an evaluation of current economic conditions within its service territories.
The Company’s contracts do not contain any significant financing components.
The Company’s operating revenues are comprised of the following:
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 | |||||||||||||
Regulated Tariff Sales | ||||||||||||||||
Residential |
$ |
21,508 |
$ |
20,238 |
$ |
40,659 |
$ |
37,195 | ||||||||
Commercial |
5,203 |
4,108 |
9,630 |
7,684 | ||||||||||||
Industrial |
2,700 |
2,143 |
5,295 |
4,320 | ||||||||||||
Fire Protection |
3,173 |
3,161 |
6,294 |
6,265 | ||||||||||||
Wholesale |
4,297 |
3,718 |
8,260 |
7,256 | ||||||||||||
Non-Regulated Contract Operations |
2,765 |
3,298 |
5,665 |
6,449 | ||||||||||||
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers |
$ |
39,646 |
$ |
36,666 |
$ |
75,803 |
$ |
69,169 | ||||||||
Other Regulated Revenues |
156 |
241 |
223 |
310 | ||||||||||||
Other Non-Regulated Revenues |
110 |
107 |
220 |
213 | ||||||||||||
Inter-segment Elimination |
(229 |
) |
(313 |
) |
(367 |
) |
(450 |
) | ||||||||
Total Revenue |
$ |
39,683 |
$ |
36,701 |
$ |
75,879 |
$ |
69,242 |
Note 10 – Income Taxes
The Company’s federal income tax returns for the tax years 2014 through 2017 were selected for examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which included the tax year in which the Company had adopted the final IRS tangible property regulations and changed its accounting method for the tax treatment of expenditures that qualified as deductible repairs. As a result of the audit examination, the Company agreed to certain modifications of its accounting method for expenditures that qualify as deductible repairs. In 2019, the Company paid $2.7 million in income taxes and $0.1 million in interest in connection with the conclusion of the 2014 through 2017 federal income tax return audits. As of June 30, 2022, the Company’s income tax reserve provision and interest expense liability are $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
16
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex or the Company) included elsewhere herein and with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this periodic report and in the documents incorporated by reference constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933. The Company intends that these statements be covered by the safe harbors created under those laws. They include, but are not limited to statements as to:
- | expected financial condition, performance, prospects and earnings of the Company; |
- | strategic plans for growth; |
- | the amount and timing of rate increases and other regulatory matters, including the recovery of certain costs recorded as regulatory assets; |
- | the Company’s expected liquidity needs during the upcoming fiscal year and beyond and the sources and availability of funds to meet its liquidity needs; |
- | expected customer rates, consumption volumes, service fees, revenues, margins, expenses and operating results; |
- | financial projections; |
- | the expected amount of cash contributions to fund the Company’s retirement benefit plans, anticipated discount rates and rates of return on plan assets; |
- | the ability of the Company to pay dividends; |
- | the Company’s compliance with environmental laws and regulations and estimations of the materiality of any related costs; |
- | the safety and reliability of the Company’s equipment, facilities and operations; |
- | the Company’s plans to renew municipal franchises and consents in the territories it serves; |
- | trends; and |
- | the availability and quality of our water supply. |
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results and outcomes include, but are not limited to:
- | effects of general economic conditions; |
- | increases in competition for growth in non-franchised markets to be potentially served by the Company; |
- | ability of the Company to adequately control selected operating expenses which are necessary to maintain safe and proper utility services, and which may be beyond the Company’s control; |
- | availability of adequate supplies of quality water; |
- | actions taken by government regulators, including decisions on rate increase requests; |
- | new or modified water quality standards and compliance with related legal and regulatory requirements; |
- | weather variations and other natural phenomena impacting utility operations; |
- | financial and operating risks associated with acquisitions and/or privatizations; |
- | acts of war or terrorism; |
- | cyber-attacks; |
- | changes in the pace of new housing development; |
- | availability and cost of capital resources; |
- | timely availability of materials and supplies for operations and critical infrastructure projects; |
- | impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; and |
- | other factors discussed elsewhere in this report. |
17
Many of these factors are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which only speak to the Company’s understanding as of the date of this report. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
For an additional discussion of factors that may affect the Company’s business and results of operations, see Item 1A. - Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Overview
Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex or the Company) has operated as a water utility in New Jersey since 1897 and in Delaware through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), since 1992. We are in the business of collecting, treating and distributing water for domestic, commercial, municipal, industrial and fire protection purposes. We operate water and wastewater systems under contract for governmental entities and private entities primarily in New Jersey and Delaware and provide regulated wastewater services in New Jersey. We are regulated by state public utility commissions as to rates charged to customers for water and wastewater services, as to the quality of water and wastewater service we provide and as to certain other matters in the states in which our regulated subsidiaries operate. Only our Utility Service Affiliates, Inc. (USA), Utility Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy), Inc. (USA-PA) and White Marsh Environmental Services, Inc. (White Marsh) subsidiaries are not regulated public utilities as related to rates and services quality. All municipal or commercial entities whose utility operations are managed by these entities however, are subject to environmental regulation at the federal and state levels.
Our principal New Jersey water utility system (the Middlesex System) provides water services to approximately 61,000 retail customers, primarily in central New Jersey. The Middlesex System also provides water sales under contract to municipalities in central New Jersey with a total population of over 0.2 million. Our Bayview subsidiary provides water services in Downe Township, New Jersey. Our other New Jersey subsidiaries, Pinelands Water Company and Pinelands Wastewater Company provide water and wastewater services to approximately 2,500 customers in Southampton Township, New Jersey.
Our Delaware subsidiaries, Tidewater and Southern Shores Water Company, LLC, provide water services to approximately 56,000 retail customers in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. Tidewater’s subsidiary, White Marsh, services approximately 7,200 customers in Kent and Sussex Counties through various operations and maintenance contracts.
USA-PA operates the water and wastewater systems for the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey (Perth Amboy) under a 10-year operations and maintenance contract expiring in 2028. In addition to performing day-to day operations, USA-PA is also responsible for emergency response and management of capital projects funded by Perth Amboy.
USA operates the Borough of Avalon, New Jersey’s (Avalon) water utility, sewer utility and storm water system under a ten-year operations and maintenance contract that expired on June 30, 2022. USA participated in the public proposal process for Avalon’s procurement of a new contract and was awarded the expected ten-year contract to continue to operate Avalon’s water utility, sewer utility and storm water system. On June 28, 2022, USA and Avalon agreed to a 90-day continuance of the original contract until a new contract is finalized. In addition to performing day-to-day operations, USA is responsible for emergency response and management of capital projects funded by Avalon. USA operates the Borough of Highland Park, New Jersey’s water and wastewater systems under a 10-year operations and maintenance contract expiring in June 2030.
Under a marketing agreement with HomeServe USA (HomeServe) expiring in 2031, USA offers residential customers in New Jersey and Delaware water and wastewater related services and home maintenance programs. HomeServe is a leading national provider of such home maintenance service programs. USA receives a service
18
fee for the billing, cash collection and other administrative functions associated with HomeServe’s service contracts.
Recent Developments
Capital Construction Program - The Company’s multi-year capital construction program encompasses numerous projects designed to upgrade and replace utility infrastructure as well as enhance the integrity and reliability of assets to maintain and improve service for the current and future generations of water and wastewater customers. The Company plans to invest approximately $90 million in 2022 in connection with projects that include, but are not limited to:
· | New facility to provide an enhanced treatment process at the Company’s largest New Jersey wellfield in South Plainfield to comply with new state water quality regulations relative to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, collectively referred to as PFAS, and integrate surge protection to mitigate spikes in water pressures along with enhancements to corrosion control and disinfection processes; |
· | Replacement of approximately six miles of water mains including full main and service line replacements, meter pit installations and fire hydrant replacements in the Township of Woodbridge, New Jersey; |
· | Upgrade of our Work and Asset Management Information Technology System; |
· | Two new elevated water storage tanks in our Tidewater service territory; and |
· | Various other water main replacements and improvements. |
The actual amount and timing of capital expenditures is dependent on project scheduling and refinement of engineering estimates for certain capital projects.
Regulatory Notice of Non-Compliance – In September 2021, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a Notice of Non-Compliance (Notice) to Middlesex based on self-reporting by Middlesex that the level of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in water treated at its Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant in South Plainfield, New Jersey exceeded a recently promulgated NJDEP standard effective in 2021. Neither the NJDEP nor Middlesex has characterized this exceedance as an acute health threat. However, Middlesex was required to notify its affected customers and complied in November 2021, as required by the regulation. Further, the Notice required the Company to take any action necessary to comply with the new standard by September 7, 2022. Middlesex has provided current sampling results to the NJDEP indicating compliance with the new standard and is awaiting confirmation from the NJDEP.
The NJDEP standard for PFOA was developed based on a Health-based Maximum Contaminant Level of 14 parts per trillion. Construction of an enhanced treatment process at the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant to comply with the new standard had already begun prior to the regulation being enacted. Since completion is not expected until mid-2023, in December 2021, the Company implemented an interim solution to meet the Notice requirements. The Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant was taken off-line and alternate sources of supply have been obtained. Simultaneously, the Company began design of an acceleration of a portion of the Park Avenue Wellfield treatment upgrades to meet anticipated increases in the historical higher water demand periods during the summer months.
In June 2022, Phase 1 construction of an advanced treatment facility at its Park Avenue Wellfield was completed and the treatment facility is effectively treating ground water to ensure compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards. Working in coordination with the NJDEP, Middlesex has begun a phased, start-up of its Park Avenue Wellfield and is successfully introducing treated water into the distribution system. Water being delivered to customers is in compliance with all USEPA and NJDEP drinking water standards, including the newly established water quality standard for PFOA. The Park Avenue wells had been turned off since December 2021 when the Company had begun providing additional water from its surface water treatment plant and other sources. This plan to turn on, and treat, certain wells to support normal heightened seasonal demand was met with full approval from state regulatory agencies.
In November 2021, the Company was served with two PFOA-related class action lawsuits seeking restitution for medical, water replacement and other claimed related costs. These lawsuits are in the early stages of the legal process
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and their ultimate resolution cannot be predicted at this time. The Company’s insurance provider has acknowledged coverage of potential liability which may result from these lawsuits. In May 2022, the Company impleaded 3M Company (3M) as a third-party defendant in one of these class action lawsuits. The Company has taken this action in addition to a separate lawsuit the Company initiated against 3M seeking to hold 3M accountable for introduction of perfluoroalkyl substances, which include PFOA, into the Company’s water supply at its Park Avenue Wellfield facility.
In January 2022, the Company filed a petition with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) seeking to establish a regulatory asset and deferred accounting treatment until its next base rate setting proceeding for all costs associated with the interim solution to comply with the Notice. The Company is currently awaiting a decision on this matter from the NJBPU.
While the Company believes monetary penalties are unlikely, the issuance of the Notice does not preclude the State of New Jersey or any of its agencies from initiating formal administrative and/or judicial enforcement action, including assessment of penalties of up to $25,000 per day per offense if the Company is unable to maintain compliance with the requirements of the Notice by September 7, 2022.
Sale of Subsidiary – In January 2022, Middlesex closed on the Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC) approved sale of 100% of the common stock of its subsidiary Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc. to Artesian Wastewater Management, Inc. for $6.4 million in cash and other consideration, resulting in a $5.2 million pre-tax gain. The Company will continue to own and operate its non-regulated water and wastewater contract operations business in Delaware.
Rate and Regulatory Matters
Middlesex – In December 2021, Middlesex’s petition to the NJBPU seeking permission to increase its base water rates was concluded, based on a negotiated settlement, resulting in an expected increase in annual operating revenues of $27.7 million. The approved tariff rates were designed to recover increased operating costs as well as a return on invested capital of $513.5 million, based on an authorized return on common equity of 9.6%. The increase is being implemented in two phases with $20.7 million of the increase effective January 1, 2022 and the remaining $7.0 million effective January 1, 2023. As part of the negotiated settlement, the Purchased Water Adjustment Clause (PWAC), which is a rate mechanism that allows for recovery of increased purchased water costs between base rate case filings, was reset to zero.
In March 2022, Middlesex filed a petition with the NJBPU seeking approval to set its PWAC tariff rate to recover additional costs of $3.7 million for the purchase of treated water from a non-affiliated water utility regulated by the NJBPU. We cannot predict whether the NJBPU will ultimately approve, deny or reduce the amount of our request.
Tidewater – On June 23, 2022, the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate filed a petition with the DEPSC requesting that Tidewater’s rates be reduced based on the claim that Tidewater has been earning above its authorized rate of return. Tidewater intends to vigorously defend against this proposed rate reduction based on current and near-term anticipated increases in operating costs and capital investments. Tidewater cannot predict whether the DEPSC will ultimately approve, deny or reduce the amount of the requested rate reduction.
In June 2022, Tidewater notified the DEPSC of its intention to file for a base water rate increase in the first quarter of 2023 based on projected increases in operational expenses and capital spending.
COVID-19 – On April 13, 2022, the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services renewed the determination that a nationwide health emergency exists as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. While the Company’s operations and capital construction program have not been materially disrupted to-date from the pandemic, the COVID-19 impact on economic conditions nationally continues to be uncertain and could affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity in the future. In New Jersey, the declared COVID-19 State of Emergency ended in March 2022. In Delaware, the declared COVID-19 State of Emergency Order ended in July 2021.
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The NJBPU and the DEPSC have approved the tracking of COVID-19 related incremental costs for potential recovery in customer rates in future rate proceedings. Neither jurisdiction has established a timetable or definitive formal procedures for seeking cost recovery. Since March 2020, the Company has increased its allowance for doubtful accounts for expected increases in accounts receivable write-offs due to the financial impact of COVID-19 on customers. We will continue to monitor the effects of COVID-19 and evaluate its impact on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Outlook
Our ability to increase operating income and net income is based significantly on four factors: weather, adequate and timely rate relief, effective cost management and customer growth. These factors are discussed in the Results of Operations section below. Unfavorable weather pattern may occur at any time, which can result in lower customer demand for water. Due to an extended period of dry and high temperature weather conditions in New Jersey, on July 21, 2022, the Company issued a request to its customers located in our Middlesex system located in central New Jersey to voluntarily limit non-essential water use until further notice.
Our investments in system infrastructure continue to grow significantly and our operating costs are anticipated to increase in 2022 in a variety of categories. Our Tidewater subsidiary has objected to a request before the DEPSC to reduce its base rates charged to customers (for further discussion of the impact of this on the Company, see Rate and Regulatory Matters, Tidewater above). These factors, among others, may require the need to file requests during 2022 and early 2023 for increases in customer rates.
An additional factor that we continue to actively monitor is the impact of new variants of COVID-19 on the general economy, our suppliers and our workforce (for further discussion of the impact of COVID-19 on the Company, see Recent Developments, COVID-19 above).
Overall, organic residential customer growth continues in our Tidewater system but is expected to be impacted by the current and evolving economic market conditions. Builders and developers are already experiencing longer home sales closing cycles due to supply chain issues, which may be further affected by inflationary trends and the government’s plan to address it through interest rates.
The Company has projected to spend approximately $232 million for the 2022-2024 capital investment program, including approximately $39 million for PFAS-related treatment upgrades in the Middlesex System, $33 million on the RENEW Program, which is our ongoing initiative to replace water mains in the Middlesex System, $13 million for construction of elevated storage tanks in our Tidewater and Middlesex Systems and $10 million for the rehabilitation and other improvements associated with Middlesex’s primary field operations and inventory facilities.
Our strategy for profitable growth is focused on the following key areas:
· | Invest in projects, products and services that complement our core water and wastewater competencies; |
· | Timely and adequate recovery of infrastructure investments and other costs to maintain service quality; |
· | Prudent acquisitions of investor and municipally-owned water and wastewater utilities; and |
· | Operation of municipal and industrial water and wastewater systems on a contract basis which meet our risk profile. |
Operating Results by Segment
The discussion of the Company’s operating results is on a consolidated basis and includes significant factors by subsidiary. The Company has two operating segments, Regulated and Non-Regulated. The operations of the Regulated segment are subject to regulations promulgated by state public utility commissions as to rates and level of service. Rates and level of service in the Non-Regulated segment are subject to the terms of individually-negotiated and executed contracts with municipal, industrial and other clients. Both segments are subject to
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federal and state environmental, water and wastewater quality and other associated legal and regulatory requirements.
The segments in the tables included below consist of the following companies: Regulated-Middlesex, Tidewater, Pinelands and Southern Shores; Non-Regulated-USA, USA-PA, and White Marsh.
Results of Operations – Three Months Ended June 30, 2022
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Regulated | Non- Regulated |
Total | Regulated | Non- Regulated |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 36,918 | $ | 2,765 | $ | 39,683 | $ | 33,403 | $ | 3,298 | $ | 36,701 | ||||||||||||
Operations and maintenance expenses | 17,667 | 1,890 | 19,557 | 15,876 | 2,083 | 17,959 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | 5,608 | 62 | 5,670 | 5,134 | 53 | 5,187 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other taxes | 4,307 | 61 | 4,368 | 3,682 | 59 | 3,741 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 9,336 | 752 | 10,088 | 8,711 | 1,103 | 9,814 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 1,878 | 66 | 1,944 | 1,490 | 68 | 1,558 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 2,370 | (1 | ) | 2,369 | 2,070 | — | 2,070 | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 530 | 265 | 795 | (1,977 | ) | 356 | (1,621 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 8,314 | $ | 554 | $ | 8,868 | $ | 10,108 | $ | 815 | $ | 10,923 |
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2022 increased $3.0 million from the same period in 2021 due to the following factors:
· | Middlesex System revenues increased $4.4 million due to its approved base rate increase effective January 1, 2022; |
· | Tidewater System revenues decreased $0.1 million due to lower new customer connection fees; |
· | The sale of our regulated Delaware wastewater subsidiary in January 2022 reduced revenues by $0.7 million; |
· | Non-regulated revenues decreased $0.5 million primarily due to lower supplemental contract services; and |
· | All other operating revenue categories decreased $0.1 million. |
Operation and Maintenance Expense
Operation and maintenance expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2022 increased $1.6 million from the same period in 2021 due to the following factors:
· | Higher weather-related main break activity in our Middlesex system during the winter months resulted in $0.2 million of additional non-labor costs; |
· | Labor costs increased by $0.5 million due to wage increases; |
· | Costs for employee benefits increased $0.4 million due to market fluctuations in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies; and |
· | Variable production costs increased $0.4 million primarily due to weather-driven changes in water quality and higher chemical prices; and |
· | All other operation and maintenance expense categories increased $0.1 million. |
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Depreciation
Depreciation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2022 increased $0.5 million from the same period in 2021 due to a higher level of utility plant in service.
Other Taxes
Other taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2022 increased $0.6 million from the same period in 2021 primarily due to higher revenue related taxes on increased revenues in our Middlesex system.
Other Income, net
Other Income, net for the three months ended June 30, 2022 increased $0.4 million from the same period in 2021 due primarily to $0.6 million of higher actuarially-determined retirement benefit plans non-service benefit partially offset by $0.2 million of lower Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) resulting from a lower level of capital projects in progress.
Interest Charges
Interest charges for the three months ended June 30, 2022 increased $0.3 million from the same period in 2021 due to higher average short-term and long-term debt outstanding in 2022 as compared to 2021.
Income Taxes
Income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $2.4 million from the same period in 2021, primarily due to lower income tax benefits caused by reduced repair expenditures on tangible property in the Middlesex system and the expiration of income tax benefits associated with the adoption of Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) tangible property regulations as Middlesex was required by the NJBPU to account for the benefit of adopting these regulations over 48 months beginning in 2018.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2022 decreased $2.1 million as compared with the same period in 2021. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $0.50 and $0.62 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Results of Operations – Six Months Ended June 30, 2022
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Regulated | Non- Regulated |
Total | Regulated | Non- Regulated |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 70,214 | $ | 5,665 | $ | 75,879 | $ | 62,794 | $ | 6,448 | $ | 69,242 | ||||||||||||
Operations and maintenance expenses | 34,845 | 3,850 | 38,695 | 32,125 | 4,190 | 36,315 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | 11,171 | 121 | 11,292 | 9,909 | 110 | 10,019 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other taxes | 8,387 | 125 | 8,512 | 7,333 | 127 | 7,460 | ||||||||||||||||||
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary | 5,232 | — | 5,232 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 21,043 | 1,569 | 22,612 | 13,427 | 2,021 | 15,448 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 3,565 | 134 | 3,699 | 3,469 | 126 | 3,595 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 4,220 | (1 | ) | 4,219 | 3,808 | — | 3,808 | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 574 | 550 | 1,124 | (3,259 | ) | 666 | (2,593 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 19,814 | $ | 1,154 | $ | 20,968 | $ | 16,347 | $ | 1,481 | $ | 17,828 |
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Operating Revenues
Operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased $6.6 million from the same period in 2021 due to the following factors:
· | Middlesex System revenues increased $8.1 million due to its approved base rate increase effective January 1, 2022; |
· | Tidewater System revenues increased $0.6 million due to additional customers and a one-time customer credit issued in the first quarter of 2021 partially offset by lower demand per customer and lower new customer connection fees; |
· | Non-regulated revenues decreased $0.8 million due to lower supplemental contract services; and |
· | The sale of our regulated Delaware wastewater subsidiary in January 2022 reduced revenues by $1.3 million. |
Operation and Maintenance Expense
Operation and maintenance expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased $2.4 million from the same period in 2021 due to the following factors:
· | Higher weather-related main break activity in our Middlesex system during the winter months resulted in $0.4 million of additional non-labor costs and $0.2 million of overtime labor charges; |
· | Labor costs also increased by $0.5 million due to wage increases; |
· | Costs for employee benefits increased $0.6 million due to market fluctuations in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies; |
· | Variable production costs increased $0.3 million primarily due to weather-driven changes in water quality and higher chemical prices; and |
· | All other operation and maintenance expense categories increased $0.4 million. |
Depreciation
Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased $1.3 million from the same period in 2021 due to a higher level of utility plant in service.
Other Taxes
Other taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased $1.1 million from the same period in 2021 primarily due to higher revenue related taxes on increased revenues in our Middlesex system.
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary
Middlesex recognized a $5.2 million gain on the sale of its regulated Delaware wastewater subsidiary in January 2022.
Other Income, net
Other Income, net for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased $0.1 million from the same period in 2021 primarily due to $1.2 million of higher actuarially-determined retirement benefit plans non-service benefit mostly offset by $1.1 million of lower AFUDC resulting from a reduced level of capital projects in progress.
Interest Charges
Interest charges for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased $0.4 million from the same period in 2021 due to higher long-term and short-term debt outstanding in 2022 as compared to 2021.
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Income Taxes
Income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $3.7 million from the same period in 2021, primarily due to income taxes on the gain on the sale of a subsidiary, higher pre-tax operating income and the expiration of income tax benefits associated with the adoption of IRS tangible property regulations as Middlesex was required by the NJBPU to account for the benefit of adopting these regulations over 48 months beginning in 2018. Partially offsetting these increases were greater income tax benefits associated with increased repair expenditures on tangible property in the Middlesex system.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased $3.1 million as compared with the same period in 2021. Basic earnings per share were $1.19 and $1.02 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $1.18 and $1.01 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Cash Flows
Cash flows from operations are largely based on four factors: weather, adequate and timely rate increases, effective cost management and customer growth. The effect of those factors on net income is discussed in “Results of Operations.”
Operating Cash Flows
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, cash flows from operating activities increased $12.3 million to $26.9 million. The increase in cash flows from operating activities primarily resulted from the timing of payments to vendors and reduced income tax payments.
Investing Cash Flows
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, cash flows used in investing activities decreased $10.3 million to $36.2 million. The decrease in cash flows used in investing activities resulted from decreased utility plant expenditures and cash received from the sale of Middlesex’s regulated wastewater subsidiary in January 2022.
For further discussion on the Company’s future capital expenditures and expected funding sources, see “Capital Expenditures and Commitments” below.
Financing Cash Flows
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, cash flows from financing activities decreased $17.6 million to $10.1 million. The decrease in cash flows provided by financing activities is due to a reduction in net short-term bank borrowings and lower net customer advances and contributions partially offset by increased proceeds from the issuance of common stock under the Middlesex Water Company Investment Plan (the Investment Plan).
Capital Expenditures and Commitments
To fund our capital program, we use internally generated funds, short-term and long-term debt borrowings, proceeds from sales of common stock under the Investment Plan and proceeds from sales offerings to the public of our common stock. See below for a more detailed discussion regarding the funding of our capital program.
The capital investment program for 2022 is currently estimated to be approximately $90 million. Through June 30, 2022 we have expended $39 million and expect to incur approximately $51 million for capital projects for the remainder of 2022.
We currently project that we may expend approximately $142 million for capital projects in 2023 and 2024. The actual amount and timing of capital expenditures is dependent on the need for replacement of existing infrastructure, customer growth, residential new home construction and sales, project scheduling and continued refinement of project
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scope and costs and, could be impacted if new variants of the COVID-19 pandemic arise and continue for an extended period of time.
To pay for our capital program for the remainder of 2022, we plan on utilizing some or all of the following:
· | Internally generated funds; |
· | Short-term borrowings, as needed, through $140 million of lines of credit established with three financial institutions. As of June 30, 2022, there was $112.5 million of available credit under these lines (for further discussion on Company lines of credit, see Note 6 – Short Term Borrowings); |
· | Proceeds from the Delaware State Revolving Fund (SRF). SRF programs provide low cost financing for projects that meet certain water quality-related and system improvement criteria; |
· | Proceeds from long-term borrowing arrangements; and |
· | Proceeds from the Investment Plan. |
The 3% purchase discount offering period on the Company’s common stock through the Investment Plan is set to expire on August 1, 2022. 200,000 shares were originally allocated to the offering and there remains approximately 93 thousand shares available as of June 30, 2022.
In order to fully fund the ongoing large investment program in our utility plant infrastructure and maintain a balanced capital structure for a regulated water utility, Middlesex may offer for sale additional shares of its common stock. The amount, the timing and the sales method of the common stock is dependent on the timing of the construction expenditures, the level of additional debt financing and financial market conditions. As previously approved by the NJBPU in 2019, the Company is authorized to issue and sell up to 0.7 million shares of its common stock in one or more transactions through December 31, 2022.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements – See Note 1 of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and guidance.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk associated with changes in interest rates and commodity prices. The Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal course of business. Our policy is to manage interest rates through the use of fixed rate long-term debt and, to a lesser extent, short-term debt. The Company’s interest rate risk related to existing fixed rate, long-term debt is not material due to the term of the majority of our First Mortgage Bonds, which have final maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2059. Over the next twelve months, approximately $7.8 million of the current portion of existing long-term debt instruments will mature. Applying a hypothetical change in the rate of interest charged by 10% on those borrowings, would not have a material effect on our earnings.
Our risks associated with price increases for chemicals, electricity and other commodities are reduced through contractual arrangements and the ability to recover price increases through rates charged to the Company’s regulated utility customers. Non-performance by these commodity suppliers could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
We are exposed to credit risk for both our Regulated and Non-Regulated business segments. Our Regulated operations serve residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers while our Non-Regulated operations engage in business activities with developers, government entities and other customers. Our primary credit risk is exposure to customer default on contractual obligations and the associated loss that may be incurred due to the non-payment of customer accounts receivable balances. Our credit risk is managed through established credit and collection policies which are in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and involve monitoring of customer exposure and the use of credit risk mitigation measures such as letters of credit or prepayment arrangements. Our credit portfolio is diversified with no significant customer or industry concentrations. In addition, our Regulated businesses are generally able to recover all prudently incurred costs including uncollectible customer accounts receivable expenses and collection costs through customers’ rates.
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The Company's retirement benefit plan assets are subject to fluctuating market prices of debt and equity securities. Changes to the Company's retirement benefit plan asset values can impact the Company's retirement benefit plan expense, funded status and future minimum funding requirements. Risk is mitigated by our ability to recover retirement benefit plan costs through rates for regulated utility services charged to our customers.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures was conducted by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings |
The following information updates and amends the information provided in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (the Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2021 in Part I, Item 3—Legal Proceedings. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Company’s Form 10-K.
PFOA Regulatory Notice of Non-Compliance
Vera et al. v. Middlesex Water Company – On April 21, 2022, the Judge granted Vera’s Motion for Class Certification and granted in part and denied in part Middlesex’s Motion to Dismiss. On May 4, 2022, the Company impleaded 3M Company (3M) as a third-party defendant in this lawsuit. The Company has taken this action in addition to a separate lawsuit the Company initiated against 3M seeking to hold 3M accountable for introduction of perfluoroalkyl substances, which include PFOA, into the Company’s water supply at its Park Avenue Wellfield facility. On July 6, 2022, the Company filed a Motion to Remove this case from New Jersey Superior Court to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Lonsk et al. v. Middlesex Water Company and 3M Company - On March 4, 2022, Middlesex filed a Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ complaint. On April 15, 2022, Plaintiffs filed an Amended Complaint. On July 7, 2022, this case was reassigned to a new trial judge at the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Motions To Dismiss and Answers to Plaintiffs’ Amended Complaint to be filed on rescheduling from the newly assigned judge.
Item 1A. | Risk Factors |
The information about risk factors does not differ materially from those set forth in Part I, Item 1A. of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
None.
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
None.
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
Not applicable.
Item 5. | Other Information |
None.
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Item 6. | Exhibits |
10.40 | Loan Agreement, dated May 1, 2022, between New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and the Company (Series 2022A). |
10.41 | Loan Agreement, dated May 1, 2022, between the State of New Jersey, acting by and through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Company (Series 2022B). |
31.1 | Section 302 Certification by Dennis W. Doll pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
31.2 | Section 302 Certification by A. Bruce O’Connor pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
32.1 | Section 906 Certification by Dennis W. Doll pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
32.2 | Section 906 Certification by A. Bruce O’Connor pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document |
101.SCH | XBRL Schema Document |
101.CAL | XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.LAB | XBRL Labels Linkbase Document |
101.PRE | XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF | XBRL Definition Linkbase Document |
104 |
Cover Page Interactive Data File – the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
|
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY | |||
By: | /s/A. Bruce O’Connor | ||
A. Bruce O’Connor | |||
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and | |||
Chief Financial Officer | |||
(Principal Accounting Officer) |
Date: July 29, 2022
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Exhibit 10.40
LOAN AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
NEW JERSEY INFRASTRUCTURE BANK
AND
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
(PROJECT NOS. 1225001-025/028)
DATED AS OF MAY 1, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS | |
SECTION 1.01. Definitions | 2 |
ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF BORROWER | |
SECTION 2.01. Representations of Borrower | 6 |
SECTION 2.02. Particular Covenants of Borrower | 9 |
ARTICLE III LOAN TO BORROWER; AMOUNTS PAYABLE; GENERAL AGREEMENTS | |
SECTION 3.01. Loan; Loan Term | 14 |
SECTION 3.02. Disbursement of Loan Proceeds | 14 |
SECTION 3.03. Amounts Payable | 15 |
SECTION 3.03A. Unexpended Project Funds on Deposit in Project Loan Account | 17 |
SECTION 3.04. Unconditional Obligations | 17 |
SECTION 3.05. Loan Agreement to Survive Bond Indenture and I-Bank Bonds | 18 |
SECTION 3.06. Disclaimer of Warranties and Indemnification | 18 |
SECTION 3.07. Option to Prepay Loan Repayments | 19 |
SECTION 3.08. Priority of Loan and Fund Loan | 20 |
SECTION 3.09. Approval of the New Jersey State Treasurer | 20 |
ARTICLE IV ASSIGNMENT OF LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER BOND | |
SECTION 4.01. Assignment and Transfer by I-Bank | 22 |
SECTION 4.02. Assignment by Borrower | 22 |
ARTICLE V EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES | |
SECTION 5.01. Events of Default | 23 |
SECTION 5.02. Notice of Default | 24 |
SECTION 5.03. Remedies on Default | 24 |
SECTION 5.04. Attorneys’ Fees and Other Expenses | 24 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |
SECTION 5.05. Application of Moneys | 24 |
SECTION 5.06. No Remedy Exclusive; Waiver; Notice | 25 |
SECTION 5.07. Retention of I-Bank’s Rights | 25 |
ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS | |
SECTION 6.01. Notices | 26 |
SECTION 6.02. Binding Effect | 26 |
SECTION 6.03. Severability | 26 |
SECTION 6.04. Amendments, Supplements and Modifications | 26 |
SECTION 6.05. Execution in Counterparts | 27 |
SECTION 6.06. Applicable Law and Regulations | 27 |
SECTION 6.07. Consents and Approvals | 27 |
SECTION 6.08. Captions | 27 |
SECTION 6.09. Benefit of Loan Agreement; Compliance with Bond Indenture | 27 |
SECTION 6.10. Further Assurances | 27 |
SECTION 6.11. No Personal Liability | 27 |
SCHEDULE A | Certain Additional Loan Agreement Provisions | S-1 |
EXHIBIT A | (1) Description of Project and Environmental Infrastructure System | A-1 |
(2) Description of Loan | A-2 | |
EXHIBIT B | Basis for Determination of Allowable Project Costs | B-1 |
EXHIBIT C | Estimated Disbursement Schedule | C-1 |
EXHIBIT D | Specimen Borrower Bond | D-1 |
EXHIBIT E | Opinions of Borrower's Bond Counsel and General Counsel | E-1 |
EXHIBIT F | Additional Covenants and Requirements | F-1 |
EXHIBIT G | General Administrative Requirements for the New Jersey Water Bank | G-1 |
EXHIBIT H | Form of Continuing Disclosure Agreement | H-1 |
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NEW JERSEY INFRASTRUCTURE BANK LOAN AGREEMENT
THIS LOAN AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of May 1, 2022, by and between the NEW JERSEY INFRASTRUCTURE BANK, a public body corporate and politic with corporate succession, and the Borrower (capitalized terms used in this Loan Agreement shall have, unless the context otherwise requires, the meanings ascribed thereto in Section 1.01 hereof);
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS, the I-Bank, in accordance with the Act, the Bond Indenture and a financial plan approved by the State Legislature in accordance with Sections 22 and 22.1 of the Act, will issue its I-Bank Bonds on or prior to the Loan Closing for the purpose of making the Loan to the Borrower and the Loans to the Borrowers from the proceeds of the I-Bank Bonds to finance a portion of the Costs of Environmental Infrastructure Facilities;
WHEREAS, the Borrower has, in accordance with the Act and the Regulations, made timely application to the I-Bank for a Loan to finance a portion of the Costs of the Project;
WHEREAS, the State Legislature, in accordance with Sections 20 and 20.1 of the Act, has in the form of an appropriations act approved a project priority list that includes the Project and that authorizes an expenditure of proceeds of the I-Bank Bonds to finance a portion of the Costs of the Project;
WHEREAS, the I-Bank has approved the Borrower’s application for a Loan from available proceeds of the I-Bank Bonds to finance a portion of the Costs of the Project;
WHEREAS, in accordance with the applicable Bond Act (as defined in the Fund Loan Agreement), and the Regulations, the Borrower has been awarded a Fund Loan for a portion of the Costs of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the Borrower, in accordance with the Act, the Regulations, the Business Corporation Law and all other applicable law, will issue a Borrower Bond to the I-Bank evidencing said Loan at the Loan Closing.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the award of the Loan by the I-Bank, the Borrower agrees to complete the Project and to perform under this Loan Agreement in accordance with the conditions, covenants and procedures set forth herein and attached hereto as part hereof, as follows:
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ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions.
(a) The following terms as used in this Loan Agreement shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
“Act” means the “New Jersey Infrastructure Trust Act”, constituting Chapter 334 of the Pamphlet Laws of 1985 of the State (codified at N.J.S.A. 58:11B-1 et seq.), as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented.
“Administrative Fee” means that portion of Interest on the Loan or Interest on the Borrower Bond payable hereunder as an annual fee that is equal to fifteen hundredths of one percent (0.15%) of the aggregate sum of (i) the original principal amount of the Loan and (ii) the original principal amount of the Fund Loan, or such lesser amount, if any, as may be authorized by any act of the State Legislature and as the I-Bank may approve from time to time.
“Authorized Officer” means (i) in the case of the I-Bank, the Chairman, Vice-Chairman or Executive Director of the I-Bank, or any other person or persons designated by the I-Bank by resolution to act on behalf of the I-Bank pursuant to this Loan Agreement, and (ii) in the case of the Borrower, any person or persons authorized pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors of the Borrower to perform any act or execute any document relating to the Loan, the Borrower Bond or this Loan Agreement.
“Bond Counsel” means a law firm appointed or approved by the I-Bank, as the case may be, having a reputation in the field of municipal law whose opinions are generally acceptable by purchasers of municipal bonds.
“Borrower Bond” means the general obligation bond, note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness, authorized, executed, attested and delivered by the Borrower to the I-Bank and, if applicable, authenticated on behalf of the Borrower to evidence and secure the Borrower’s obligations to pay the Loan Repayments and all other amounts due and owing by the Borrower under this Loan Agreement, a specimen of which is attached hereto as Exhibit D and made a part hereof.
“Borrowers” means any other Local Government Unit or Private Entity (as such terms are defined in the Regulations) authorized to construct, operate and maintain Environmental Infrastructure Facilities that have entered into Loan Agreements with the I-Bank pursuant to which the I-Bank will make Loans to such recipients from moneys on deposit in the Project Fund, excluding the Project Loan Account.
“Business Corporation Law” means the “New Jersey Business Corporation Act”, constituting Chapter 263 of the Pamphlet Laws of 1968 of the State (codified at N.J.S.A. 14A:1-1, et seq.), as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented.
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“Construction Financing Program Loan” means any loan that may have been made on the date of the Loan Closing by the I-Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Construction Financing Program of the I-Bank for the purpose of financing a portion of the Costs of the Project, and, if made and outstanding, shall be identified and described in Exhibit F hereto.
“Costs” means those costs that are eligible, reasonable, necessary, allocable to the Project and permitted by generally accepted accounting principles, including Allowances and Building Costs (as defined in the Regulations), as shall be determined on a project-specific basis in accordance with the Regulations as set forth in Exhibit B hereto, as the same may be amended by subsequent eligible costs as evidenced by a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the I-Bank.
“Department” means the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
“Environmental Infrastructure Facilities” means Water Supply Facilities (as such terms are defined in the Regulations).
“Environmental Infrastructure System” means the Environmental Infrastructure Facilities of the Borrower, including the Project, described in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and made a part hereof, a portion of the Costs of which is being financed or refinanced by the I-Bank through the making of the Loan pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Loan Agreement.
“Event of Default” means any occurrence or event specified in Section 5.01 hereof.
“Fund Loan” means the loan made to the Borrower by the State, acting by and through the Department, pursuant to the Fund Loan Agreement dated as of May 1, 2022 by and between the Borrower and the State, acting by and through the Department, to finance or refinance a portion of the Costs of the Project.
“Fund Loan Agreement” means the loan agreement dated as of May 1, 2022 by and between the Borrower and the State, acting by and through the Department, regarding the terms and conditions of the Fund Loan.
“I-Bank” means the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, a public body corporate and politic with corporate succession duly created and validly existing under and by virtue of the Act.
“I-Bank Bond Loan Repayments” means the repayments of the principal amount of the Loan plus the payment of any premium associated with prepaying the principal amount of the Loan in accordance with Section 3.07 hereof plus the Interest Portion.
“I-Bank Bonds” means bonds authorized by Section 2.03 of the Bond Indenture, together with any refunding bonds authenticated and delivered pursuant to Section 2.04 of the Bond Indenture, in each case issued in order to finance (i) the portion of the Loan deposited in the Project Loan Account, (ii) the portion of the Loans deposited in the balance of the Project Fund, (iii) any capitalized interest related to such bonds, and (iv) a portion of the costs of issuance related to such bonds, or to refinance any or all of the above.
“Interest on the Loan” or “Interest on the Borrower Bond” means the sum of (i) the Interest Portion, (ii) the Administrative Fee, and (iii) any late charges incurred hereunder.
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“Interest Portion” means that portion of Interest on the Loan or Interest on the Borrower Bond payable hereunder that is necessary to pay the Borrower’s proportionate share of interest on the I-Bank Bonds (i) as set forth in Exhibit A-2 hereof under the column heading entitled “Interest”, or (ii) with respect to any prepayment of I-Bank Bond Loan Repayments in accordance with Section 3.07 or 5.03 hereof, to accrue on any principal amount of I-Bank Bond Loan Repayments to the date of the optional redemption or acceleration, as the case may be, of the I-Bank Bonds allocable to such prepaid or accelerated I-Bank Bond Loan Repayment.
“Loan” means the loan made by the I-Bank to the Borrower to finance or refinance a portion of the Costs of the Project pursuant to this Loan Agreement, as further described in Schedule A attached hereto.
“Loan Agreement” means this Loan Agreement, including Schedule A and the Exhibits attached hereto, as it may be supplemented, modified or amended from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and of the Bond Indenture.
“Loan Agreements” means any other loan agreements entered into by and between the I-Bank and one or more of the Borrowers pursuant to which the I-Bank will make Loans to such Borrowers from moneys on deposit in the Project Fund, excluding the Project Loan Account, financed with the proceeds of the I-Bank Bonds.
“Loan Closing” means the date upon which the I-Bank shall issue and deliver the I-Bank Bonds and the Borrower shall deliver its Borrower Bond, as previously authorized, executed, attested and, if applicable, authenticated, to the I-Bank.
“Loan Repayments” means the sum of (i) I-Bank Bond Loan Repayments, (ii) the Administrative Fee, and (iii) any late charges incurred hereunder.
“Loan Term” means the term of this Loan Agreement provided in Sections 3.01 and 3.03 hereof and in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof.
“Loans” means the loans made by the I-Bank to the Borrowers under the Loan Agreements from moneys on deposit in the Project Fund, excluding the Project Loan Account.
“Master Program Trust Agreement” means that certain Master Program Trust Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1995, by and among the I-Bank, the State, United States Trust Company of New York, as Master Program Trustee thereunder, The Bank of New York (NJ), in several capacities thereunder, and First Fidelity Bank, N.A. (predecessor to Wachovia Bank, National Association), in several capacities thereunder, as supplemented by that certain Agreement of Resignation of Outgoing Master Program Trustee, Appointment of Successor Master Program Trustee and Acceptance Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2001, by and among United States Trust Company of New York, as Outgoing Master Program Trustee, State Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A. (predecessor to U.S. Bank Trust National Association), as Successor Master Program Trustee, and the I-Bank, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
“Official Statement” means the Official Statement relating to the issuance of the I-Bank Bonds.
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“Preliminary Official Statement” means the Preliminary Official Statement relating to the issuance of the I-Bank Bonds.
“Prime Rate” means the prevailing commercial interest rate announced by the Trustee from time to time in the State as its prime lending rate.
“Project” means the Environmental Infrastructure Facilities of the Borrower described in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and made a part hereof, which constitutes a project for which the I-Bank is permitted to make a loan to the Borrower pursuant to the Act, the Regulations and the Bond Indenture, a portion of the Costs of which is being financed or refinanced by the I-Bank through the making of the Loan pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Loan Agreement, and which may be identified under either the Drinking Water or Clean Water Project Lists with the Project Number specified in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto.
“Project Fund” means the Project Fund as defined in the Bond Indenture.
“Project Loan Account” means the project loan account established on behalf of the Borrower in the Project Fund in accordance with the Bond Indenture to finance all or a portion of the Costs of the Project.
“Regulations” means the rules and regulations, as applicable, now or hereafter promulgated under N.J.A.C. 7:22-3 et seq., 7:22-4 et seq., 7:22-5 et seq., 7:22-6 et seq., 7:22-7 et seq., 7:22-8 et seq., 7:22-9 et seq. and 7:22-10 et seq., as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented.
“State” means the State of New Jersey.
“Trustee” means, initially, Zions Bancorporation, National Association d/b/a Zions Bank, the Trustee appointed by the I-Bank and its successors as Trustee under the Bond Indenture, as provided in Article X of the Bond Indenture.
“Unexpended Project Funds” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.03A hereof.
(b) In addition to the capitalized terms defined in subsection (a) of this Section 1.01, certain additional capitalized terms used in this Loan Agreement shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the meanings ascribed to such additional capitalized terms in Schedule A attached hereto and made a part hereof.
(c) Except as otherwise defined herein or where the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular number shall include the plural number and vice versa, and words importing persons shall include firms, associations, corporations, agencies and districts. Words importing one gender shall include all genders.
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ARTICLE
II
REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF BORROWER
SECTION 2.01. Representations of Borrower. The Borrower represents for the benefit of the I-Bank, the Trustee and the holders of the I-Bank Bonds as follows:
(a) Organization and Authority.
(i) The Borrower is a corporation duly created and validly existing pursuant to the Constitution and statutes of the State of New Jersey, including the Business Corporation Law.
(ii) The officers of the Borrower who are contemporaneously herewith performing or have previously performed any action contemplated in this Loan Agreement either are or, at the time any such action was performed, were the duly appointed or elected officers of such Borrower, empowered by applicable State law and, if applicable, authorized by resolution of the Borrower to perform such actions. To the extent any such action was performed by an officer who is no longer the duly acting officer of such Borrower, all such actions previously taken by such officer remain in full force and effect.
(iii) The Borrower has full legal right and authority and all necessary licenses and permits required as of the date hereof to own, operate and maintain its Environmental Infrastructure System, to carry on its activities relating thereto, to execute, attest and deliver this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, to authorize the authentication of the Borrower Bond, to sell the Borrower Bond to the I-Bank, to undertake and complete the Project and to carry out and consummate all transactions contemplated by this Loan Agreement.
(iv) The proceedings of the Borrower’s board of directors approving this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, authorizing the execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, authorizing the sale of the Borrower Bond to the I-Bank, authorizing the authentication of the Borrower Bond on behalf of the Borrower and authorizing the Borrower to undertake and complete the Project, including, without limitation, the Borrower Bond Resolution (collectively, the “Proceedings”), have been duly and lawfully adopted in accordance with the Business Corporation Law and all other applicable State law at a meeting or meetings that were duly called and held in accordance with the Borrower By-Laws, and at which quorums were present and acting throughout.
(v) By official action of the Borrower taken prior to or concurrent with the execution and delivery hereof, including, without limitation, the Proceedings, the Borrower has duly authorized, approved and consented to all necessary action to be taken by the Borrower for: (A) the execution, attestation, delivery and performance of this Loan Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; (B) the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the I-Bank upon the terms set forth herein; and (D)
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the execution, delivery and due performance of any and all other certificates, agreements and instruments that may be required to be executed, delivered and performed by the Borrower in order to carry out, give effect to and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Loan Agreement.
(vi) This Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond have each been duly authorized by the Borrower and duly executed, attested and delivered by Authorized Officers of the Borrower, and the Borrower Bond has been duly sold by the Borrower to the I-Bank, duly authenticated by the trustee or paying agent, if applicable, under the Borrower Bond Resolution and duly issued by the Borrower in accordance with the terms of the Borrower Bond Resolution; and assuming that the I-Bank has all the requisite power and authority to authorize, execute, attest and deliver, and has duly authorized, executed, attested and delivered, this Loan Agreement, and assuming further that this Loan Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the I-Bank, enforceable against the I-Bank in accordance with its terms, each of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its respective terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be affected by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws or the application by a court of legal or equitable principles affecting creditors' rights; and the information contained under “Description of Loan” in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof is true and accurate in all respects.
(b) Full Disclosure. There is no fact that the Borrower has not disclosed to the I-Bank in writing on the Borrower’s application for the Loan or otherwise that materially adversely affects or (so far as the Borrower can now foresee) that will materially adversely affect the properties, activities, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System, or the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments and any other payments required under this Loan Agreement or otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
(c) Pending Litigation. There are no proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower in any court or before any governmental authority or arbitration board or tribunal that, if adversely determined, would materially adversely affect (i) the undertaking or completion of the Project, (ii) the properties, activities, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System, (iii) the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments or any other payments required under this Loan Agreement, (iv) the authorization, execution, attestation or delivery of this Loan Agreement or the Borrower Bond, (v) the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the I-Bank, (vi) the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution, or (vii) the Borrower’s ability otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, which proceedings have not been previously disclosed in writing to the I-Bank either in the Borrower’s application for the Loan or otherwise.
(d) Compliance with Existing Laws and Agreements. (i) The authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond by the
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Borrower, (ii) the authentication of the Borrower Bond by the trustee or paying agent under the Borrower Bond Resolution, as the case may be, and the sale of the Borrower Bond to the I-Bank, (iii) the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution, (iv) the observation and performance by the Borrower of its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements hereunder and under the Borrower Bond, (v) the consummation of the transactions provided for in this Loan Agreement, the Borrower Bond Resolution and the Borrower Bond, and (vi) the undertaking and completion of the Project will not (A) other than the lien, charge or encumbrance created hereby, by the Borrower Bond, by the Borrower Bond Resolution and by any other outstanding debt obligations of the Borrower that are at parity with the Borrower Bond as to lien on, and source and security for payment thereon from, the revenues of the Borrower’s Environmental Infrastructure System, result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any properties or assets of the Borrower pursuant to, (B) result in any breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or (C) constitute a default under, any existing resolution, outstanding debt or lease obligation, trust agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other instrument to which the Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower, its Environmental Infrastructure System or any of its properties or assets may be bound, nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or other document pursuant to which the Borrower was established or any laws, ordinances, injunctions, judgments, decrees, rules, regulations or existing orders of any court or governmental or administrative agency, authority or person to which the Borrower, its Environmental Infrastructure System or its properties or operations is subject.
(e) No Defaults. No event has occurred and no condition exists that, upon the authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the I-Bank, the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution or the receipt of the amount of the Loan, would constitute an Event of Default hereunder. The Borrower is not in violation of, and has not received notice of any claimed violation of, any term of any agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it, its Environmental Infrastructure System or its properties may be bound, which violation would materially adversely affect the properties, activities, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System or the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments, to pay all other amounts due hereunder or otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
(f) Governmental Consent. The Borrower has obtained all permits and approvals required to date by any governmental body or officer (i) for the authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, (ii) for the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the I-Bank, (iii) for the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution, (iv) for the making, observance and performance by the Borrower of its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, and (v) for the undertaking or completion of the Project and the financing or refinancing thereof, including, but not limited to, if required, the approval by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (the “BPU”) of the issuance by the Borrower of the Borrower Bond to the I-Bank, as required by Section 9a of the Act, and any other approvals required therefor by the BPU; and the Borrower has complied with all applicable provisions of law requiring any notification, declaration, filing or registration with any governmental body or officer in connection with the
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making, observance and performance by the Borrower of its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond or with the undertaking or completion of the Project and the financing or refinancing thereof. No consent, approval or authorization of, or filing, registration or qualification with, any governmental body or officer that has not been obtained is required on the part of the Borrower as a condition to the authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the I-Bank, the undertaking or completion of the Project or the consummation of any transaction herein contemplated.
(g) Compliance with Law. The Borrower:
(i) is in compliance with all laws, ordinances, governmental rules and regulations to which it is subject, the failure to comply with which would materially adversely affect (A) the ability of the Borrower to conduct its activities or to undertake or complete the Project, (B) the ability of the Borrower to make the Loan Repayments and to pay all other amounts due hereunder, or (C) the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System; and
(ii) has obtained all licenses, permits, franchises or other governmental authorizations presently necessary for the ownership of its properties or for the conduct of its activities that, if not obtained, would materially adversely affect (A) the ability of the Borrower to conduct its activities or to undertake or complete the Project, (B) the ability of the Borrower to make the Loan Repayments and to pay all other amounts due hereunder, or (C) the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System.
(h) Use of Proceeds. The Borrower will apply the proceeds of the Loan from the I-Bank as described in Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof (i) to finance or refinance a portion of the Costs of the Project; and (ii) where applicable, to reimburse the Borrower for a portion of the Costs of the Project, which portion was paid or incurred in anticipation of reimbursement by the I-Bank from proceeds of the Loan and is eligible for such reimbursement pursuant to the Regulations, and any other applicable law. All of such costs constitute Costs for which the I-Bank is authorized to make Loans to the Borrower pursuant to the Act and the Regulations.
SECTION 2.02. Particular Covenants of Borrower.
(a) Promise to Pay. The Borrower unconditionally and irrevocably promises in accordance with the terms of and to the extent provided in the Borrower Bond Resolution, to make punctual payment of the principal and redemption premium, if any, of the Loan and the Borrower Bond, the Interest on the Loan, the Interest on the Borrower Bond and all other amounts due under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond according to their respective terms.
(b) Performance Under Loan Agreement; Credit Rating; Rates. The Borrower covenants and agrees (i) to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations in the performance of this Loan Agreement; (ii) to maintain its Environmental
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Infrastructure System in good repair and operating condition; (iii) to cooperate with the I-Bank in the observance and performance of the respective duties, covenants, obligations and agreements of the Borrower and the I-Bank under this Loan Agreement; (iv) to maintain a Credit Rating from a NRRA, which Credit Rating may be a non-public, indicative Credit Rating, (all pursuant to, and as such terms are defined in, the “Credit Policy” of the I-Bank as in effect from time to time) for as long as the remaining aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Borrower Bond and all other bonds issued by the Borrower to the I-Bank is greater than $2,000,000; and (v) to establish, levy and collect rents, rates and other charges for the products and services provided by its Environmental Infrastructure System, which rents, rates and other charges, together with any other moneys available for the purpose, shall be at least sufficient (A) to meet the operation and maintenance expenses of its Environmental Infrastructure System, and (B) to comply with all covenants pertaining thereto contained in, and all other provisions of, any bond resolution, trust indenture or other security agreement, if any, relating to any bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued or to be issued by the Borrower, including without limitation rents, rates and other charges, together with other available moneys, sufficient to pay the principal of and Interest on the Borrower Bond, plus all other amounts due hereunder.
(c) Borrower Bond; No Prior Liens. Except for (i) the Borrower Bond, (ii) any bonds or notes at parity with the Borrower Bond and currently outstanding or issued on the date hereof, (iii) any future bonds or notes of the Borrower issued under the Borrower Bond Resolution at parity with the Borrower Bond, and (iv) any Permitted Encumbrances (as defined in the Borrower Bond Resolution), the assets of the Borrower that are subject to the Borrower Bond Resolution are and will be free and clear of any pledge, lien, charge or encumbrance thereon or with respect thereto prior to, or of equal rank with, the Borrower Bond, and all corporate or other action on the part of the Borrower to that end has been and will be duly and validly taken.
(d) Completion of Project and Provision of Moneys Therefor. The Borrower covenants and agrees to exercise its best efforts in accordance with prudent environmental infrastructure utility practice to complete the Project and to accomplish such completion on or before the Project Completion Date. In undertaking and completing the Project, the Borrower covenants and agrees to comply with each of the terms and provisions contained herein, including, without limitation, the Exhibits hereto (including, without limitation, Exhibit G hereto). In order to complete the Project in satisfaction of the terms and provisions hereof, including, without limitation, the Exhibits hereto, the Borrower hereby covenants and agrees to provide from its own fiscal resources all moneys, in excess of the total amount of loan proceeds it receives pursuant to the Loan and the Fund Loan, as well as any outstanding Construction Financing Program Loan, that are required in order to complete the Project.
(e) See Section 2.02(e) as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto, made a part hereof and incorporated in this Section 2.02(e) by reference as if set forth in full herein.
(f) Operation and Maintenance of Environmental Infrastructure System. The Borrower covenants and agrees that it shall, in accordance with prudent environmental infrastructure utility practice, (i) at all times operate the properties of its Environmental Infrastructure System and any business in connection therewith in an efficient manner, (ii) maintain its Environmental Infrastructure System in good repair, working order and operating condition, and (iii) from time to time make all necessary and proper repairs, renewals,
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replacements, additions, betterments and improvements with respect to its Environmental Infrastructure System so that at all times the business carried on in connection therewith shall be properly and advantageously conducted.
(g) Records and Accounts.
(i) The Borrower shall keep accurate records and accounts for its Environmental Infrastructure System (the “System Records”) separate and distinct from its other records and accounts (the “General Records”). Such System Records shall be audited annually by an independent certified public accountant, which may be part of the annual audit of the General Records of the Borrower. Such System Records and General Records shall be made available for inspection by the I-Bank at any reasonable time upon prior written notice, and a copy of such annual audit(s) therefor, including all written comments and recommendations of such accountant, shall be furnished to the I-Bank within 150 days of the close of the fiscal year being so audited, or such additional period of time as shall be consented to by an Authorized Officer of the I-Bank in the sole and absolute discretion thereof, subject to the application of applicable law relating to such additional period of time for the Borrower to complete its audit.
(ii) Reserved.
(h) Inspections; Information. The Borrower shall permit the I-Bank and the Trustee (and any party designated by either of such parties to act on its behalf or to assist it, including, without limitation, their respective professional advisors), at any and all reasonable times during construction of the Project and, thereafter, upon prior written notice, (i) to visit, inspect and examine the property constituting the Project and the site on which the Project is located, and (ii) to inspect (and make and retain copies of) any Borrower accounts, books, records, correspondence and files, including, without limitation, Borrower records regarding contracts, receipts, disbursements, investments and the overall financial standing of the Borrower, and any other matters related to the Borrower, the Project and the forgoing list of deliverables. In furtherance of the intent of this subsection, the Borrower shall promptly prepare and provide such written reports and informational summaries as the I-Bank or the Trustee may reasonably require.
(i) Insurance. The Borrower shall maintain or cause to be maintained, in force, insurance policies with responsible insurers or self-insurance programs providing against risk of direct physical loss, damage or destruction of, or to, its Environmental Infrastructure System at least to the extent that similar insurance is typically carried, and considered commercially reasonable, by utilities constructing, operating and maintaining Environmental Infrastructure Facilities of the nature of the Borrower’s Environmental Infrastructure System, including liability coverage, all to the extent available at reasonable cost, but in no case less than will satisfy all regulatory requirements applicable to the Borrower and its Environmental Infrastructure System.
(j) Costs of Project. The Borrower certifies that the building cost of the Project, as listed in Exhibit B hereto and made a part hereof, is a reasonable and accurate estimation thereof, and that it will supply to the I-Bank a certificate from a licensed professional engineer authorized
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to practice in the State stating that such building cost is a reasonable and accurate estimation and that the useful life of the Project exceeds the maturity date of the Borrower Bond.
(k) Delivery of Documents. Concurrently with the delivery of this Loan Agreement (as previously authorized, executed and attested) at the Loan Closing, the Borrower will cause to be delivered to the I-Bank and the Trustee each of the following items:
(i) an opinion of the Borrower’s bond counsel substantially in the form of Exhibit E hereto; provided, however, that an Authorized Officer of the I-Bank may permit portions of such opinion to be rendered by general counsel to the Borrower and may permit variances in such opinion from the form set forth in Exhibit E if, in the sole discretion of an Authorized Officer of the I-Bank (following consultation with Bond Counsel), such variances are not to the material detriment of the interests of the holders of the I-Bank Bonds;
(ii) counterparts of this Loan Agreement as previously executed and attested by the parties hereto;
(iii) copies of those resolutions finally adopted by the board of directors of the Borrower and requested by the I-Bank, including, without limitation, (A) the resolution of the Borrower authorizing the execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement, (B) the Borrower Bond Resolution, as amended and supplemented as of the date of the Loan Closing, authorizing the execution, attestation, authentication, sale and delivery of the Borrower Bond to the I-Bank, (C) the resolution of the Borrower, if any, confirming the details of the sale of the Borrower Bond to the I-Bank, (D) the resolution of the BPU approving the issuance by the Borrower of the Borrower Bond to the I-Bank and setting forth any other approvals required therefor by the BPU, if applicable, and (E) any other Proceedings;
(iv) Reserved;
(v) the certificates of insurance coverage as required pursuant to the terms of Section 3.06(d) hereof and such other certificates, documents, opinions and information as the I-Bank may require in Exhibit F hereto, if any.
(l) Execution and Delivery of Borrower Bond. Concurrently with the delivery of this Loan Agreement at the Loan Closing, the Borrower shall also deliver to the I-Bank the Borrower Bond, as previously executed, attested and, if applicable, authenticated, upon the receipt of a written certification of the I-Bank that a portion of the net proceeds of the I-Bank Bonds shall be deposited in the Project Loan Account simultaneously with the delivery of the Borrower Bond.
(m) Notice of Material Adverse Change. The Borrower shall promptly notify the I-Bank of any material adverse change in the properties, activities, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System, or in the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments and otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
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(n) Continuing Representations. The representations of the Borrower contained herein shall be true at the time of the execution of this Loan Agreement and at all times during the term of this Loan Agreement.
(o) Additional Covenants and Requirements. (i) No later than the Loan Closing and, if necessary, in connection with the I-Bank’s issuance of the I-Bank Bonds or the making of the Loan, additional covenants and requirements have been included in Exhibit F hereto and made a part hereof. Such covenants and requirements may include, but need not be limited to, the maintenance of specified levels of Environmental Infrastructure System rates, the issuance of additional debt of the Borrower, the transfer of revenues and receipts from the Borrower’s Environmental Infrastructure System, compliance with Rule 15c2-12, 17 CFR 240.10b-5, promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or supplemented, including any successor regulation or statute thereto (“Rule 10b-5”), and any other applicable federal, state or self-regulatory organizational securities laws, regulations and rules, and matters in connection with the appointment of the Trustee under the Bond Indenture and any successors thereto. The Borrower hereby agrees to observe and comply with each such additional covenant and requirement, if any, included in Exhibit F hereto as if the same were set forth herein in its entirety. (ii) Additional defined terms, covenants, representations and requirements have been included in Schedule A attached hereto and made a part hereof. Such additional defined terms, covenants, representations and requirements are incorporated in this Loan Agreement by reference thereto as if set forth in full herein and the Borrower hereby agrees to observe and comply with each such additional term, covenant, representation and requirement included in Schedule A as if the same were set forth in its entirety where reference thereto is made in this Loan Agreement.
(p) Continuing Disclosure Covenant. To the extent that the I-Bank, in its sole discretion, determines, at any time prior to the termination of the Loan Term, that the Borrower is a material “obligated person”, as the term “obligated person” is defined in Rule 15c2-12, with materiality being determined by the I-Bank pursuant to criteria established, from time to time, by the I-Bank in its sole discretion and set forth in a bond resolution or official statement of the I-Bank, the Borrower hereby covenants that it will authorize and provide to the I-Bank, for inclusion in any preliminary official statement or official statement of the I-Bank, all statements and information relating to the Borrower deemed material by the I-Bank for the purpose of satisfying Rule 15c2-12 as well as Rule 10b-5, including certificates and written representations of the Borrower evidencing its compliance with Rule 15c2-12 and Rule 10b-5; and the Borrower hereby further covenants that the Borrower shall execute and deliver the Continuing Disclosure Agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit H, with such revisions thereto prior to execution and delivery thereof as the I-Bank shall determine to be necessary, desirable or convenient, in its sole discretion, for the purpose of satisfying Rule 15c2-12 and the purposes and intent thereof, as Rule 15c2-12, its purposes and intent may hereafter be interpreted from time to time by the SEC or any court of competent jurisdiction; and pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Continuing Disclosure Agreement, the Borrower shall thereafter provide on-going disclosure with respect to all statements and information relating to the Borrower in satisfaction of the requirements set forth in Rule 15c2-12 and Rule 10b-5, including, without limitation, the provision of certificates and written representations of the Borrower evidencing its compliance with Rule 15c2-12 and Rule 10b-5.
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ARTICLE
III
LOAN TO BORROWER; AMOUNTS PAYABLE; GENERAL AGREEMENTS
SECTION 3.01. Loan; Loan Term.
(a) The I-Bank hereby agrees (i) to make the Loan, as described in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof, to the Borrower, and (ii) to disburse the proceeds of the Loan to the Borrower in accordance with Section 3.02 hereof. The Borrower hereby agrees to borrow and accept the Loan from the I-Bank upon the terms set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof. The Borrower agrees that the amount actually deposited in the Project Loan Account at the Loan Closing, plus the Borrower’s allocable share of (i) certain costs of issuance and underwriter’s discount for all I-Bank Bonds issued to finance the Loan; and (ii) capitalized interest during the Project construction period, if applicable, shall constitute the initial principal amount of the Loan (as the same may be adjusted downward in accordance with the definition thereof), and neither the I-Bank nor the Trustee shall have any obligation thereafter to loan any additional amounts to the Borrower.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section 3.01 to the contrary, the I-Bank shall be under no obligation (i) to make the Loan to the Borrower if (1) at the Loan Closing, the Borrower does not deliver to the I-Bank the Borrower Bond and such other documents as are required pursuant to Section 2.02(l) hereof, or (2) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing pursuant to, and as defined in, the Bond Indenture or pursuant to this Loan Agreement, or (ii) to disburse the proceeds of the Loan to the Borrower in accordance with Section 3.02 hereof, unless each of the conditions precedent to such disbursement, as set forth in Section 3.02 hereof, have been satisfied in full.
(c) The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Loan strictly in compliance with the provisions of Section 2.01(h) hereof.
(d) The payment obligations of the Borrower created pursuant to the terms of this Loan Agreement are secured by the Borrower Bond. The obligations of the Borrower to pay the principal of the Borrower Bond, Interest on the Borrower Bond, and other amounts due under the Borrower Bond are each direct, general, irrevocable and unconditional obligations of the Borrower payable from any source legally available to the Borrower in accordance with the terms of and to the extent provided in the Borrower Bond Resolution.
SECTION 3.02. Disbursement of Loan Proceeds.
(a) The Trustee, as the agent of the I-Bank, shall disburse the amounts on deposit in the Project Loan Account to the Borrower (i) upon receipt of a requisition executed by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower, and approved by the I-Bank, in a form satisfying the requirements of Section 5.02(3) of the Bond Indenture, and (ii) subject to the schedule limitations set forth in subsection (c) of this Section 3.02.
(b) The I-Bank and the Trustee shall not be required to disburse any Loan proceeds to the Borrower pursuant to this Loan Agreement, unless:
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(i) the proceeds of the I-Bank Bonds shall be available for disbursement, as determined by the I-Bank in its sole and absolute discretion;
(ii) in accordance with the Bond Act, and the Regulations, the Borrower shall have timely applied for, shall have been awarded and, prior to or simultaneously with the Loan Closing, shall have closed, a Fund Loan for a portion of the Allowable Costs (as defined in such Regulations) of the Project;
(iii) the Borrower shall have on hand moneys to pay for (A) that portion of the total Costs of the Project that is not eligible to be funded from the Fund Loan or the Loan or any outstanding Construction Financing Program Loan, and/or (B) that portion of the total Costs of the Project that exceeds the actual amounts of the loan commitments made by the State and the I-Bank, respectively, for the Fund Loan and the Loan and any outstanding Construction Financing Program Loan; and
(iv) no Event of Default nor any event that, with the passage of time or service of notice or both, would constitute an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing hereunder.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision of this Loan Agreement to the contrary, the I-Bank and the Trustee shall not disburse Loan proceeds to the Borrower from the Project Loan Account pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.02 at any time on or after the Project Loan Account Disbursement Deadline, and, as of such date, any Loan proceeds that remain on deposit in the Project Loan Account shall no longer be available to the Borrower via the disbursement procedures of this Section 3.02, but shall be disbursed only as provided in Section 3.03A hereof.
(d) In connection with the disbursement of Loan proceeds to the Borrower from the Project Loan Account pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.02, the Borrower shall comply with each of its covenant obligations pursuant to this Loan Agreement relating to such disbursement of Loan proceeds to the Borrower, as well as the use of such Loan proceeds by the Borrower.
SECTION 3.03. Amounts Payable.
(a) The Borrower shall repay the Loan in installments payable to the Trustee as follows:
(i) the principal of the Loan shall be repaid annually on the Principal Payment Dates, in accordance with the schedule set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof, as the same may be amended or modified by any credits applicable to the Borrower as set forth in the Bond Indenture;
(ii) the Interest Portion described in clause (i) of the definition thereof shall be paid semiannually on the Interest Payment Dates, in accordance with the schedule set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof, as the same may be amended or modified by any credits applicable to the Borrower as set forth in the Bond Indenture; and
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(iii) the Interest Portion described in clause (ii) of the definition thereof shall be paid upon the date of optional redemption or acceleration, as the case may be, of the I-Bank Bonds allocable to any prepaid or accelerated I-Bank Bond Loan Repayment.
The obligations of the Borrower under the Borrower Bond shall be deemed to be amounts payable under this Section 3.03. Each Loan Repayment, whether satisfied through a direct payment by the Borrower to the Trustee or (with respect to the Interest Portion) through the use of I-Bank Bond proceeds and income thereon on deposit in the Interest Account (as defined in the Bond Indenture) to pay interest on the I-Bank Bonds, shall be deemed to be a credit against the corresponding obligation of the Borrower under this Section 3.03 and shall fulfill the Borrower’s obligation to pay such amount hereunder and under the Borrower Bond. Each payment made to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 3.03 shall be applied first to the Interest Portion then due and payable, second to the principal of the Loan then due and payable, third to the payment of the Administrative Fee, and finally to the payment of any late charges hereunder.
(b) The Interest on the Loan described in clause (iii) of the definition thereof (i) shall consist of a late charge that is applicable to any I-Bank Bond Loan Repayment that is received by the Trustee on any date subsequent to its due date and (ii) shall be payable concurrently with the payment of such I-Bank Bond Loan Repayment in an amount calculated as follows: Such late charge shall equal the greater of twelve percent (12%) per annum or the Prime Rate plus one-half of one percent (0.50%) per annum with respect to the remaining outstanding principal amount of the Loan, from the applicable due date with respect to such I-Bank Bond Loan Repayment to the date it is actually paid; provided, however, that the rate of Interest on the Loan, including, without limitation, any late payment charges incurred hereunder and as calculated pursuant to the terms hereof, shall not exceed the maximum interest rate permitted by law.
(c) The Borrower shall receive, as a credit against its semiannual payment obligations of the Interest Portion, the amounts, if any, certified by the I-Bank pursuant to Section 5.10 of the Bond Indenture. Such amounts shall represent the Borrower’s allocable share of the interest earnings on certain funds and accounts established under the Bond Indenture, as calculated and determined in accordance with Section 5.10 of the Bond Indenture.
(d) In accordance with the provisions of the Bond Indenture, the Borrower shall receive, as a credit against its I-Bank Bond Loan Repayments, the amounts, if any, set forth in the certificate of the I-Bank filed with the Trustee pursuant to Section 5.02(4) of the Bond Indenture.
(e) The Interest on the Loan described in clause (ii) of the definition thereof shall be paid by the Borrower in the amount of one-half of the Administrative Fee, if any, to the Trustee semiannually on each February 1 and August 1, commencing August 1, 2022.
(f) The “DEP Loan Surcharge or Loan Origination Fee” as defined in Section 8 of Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof, as additionally identified in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof, (the “DEP Fee”) shall be paid by the Borrower to the Trustee on the date indicated therein in satisfaction of the payment obligation of the Borrower to the Department, and the obligation of the Borrower with respect to the payment of such DEP Fee shall be an obligation of the Borrower under the Borrower Bond and an amount payable pursuant
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to this Section 3.03. For purposes of crediting and applying the payment by the Borrower of the DEP Fee upon receipt thereof as provided hereby, the Trustee shall credit and apply such payment of the DEP Fee pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Bond Indenture that relate to the payment, crediting and application of the State Administrative Fee (as defined in the Bond Indenture), notwithstanding that fact that (i) the DEP Fee and the State Administrative Fee are separate and distinct fee payment obligations to be satisfied by the Borrower, and (ii) as of the date hereof, there is no State Administrative Fee due and payable by the Borrower. The Trustee, as assignee hereof, hereby agrees to the credit and application of the DEP Fee upon payment thereof as provided hereby.
(g) The Borrower hereby agrees to pay to the I-Bank at the Loan Closing a “Security Review Fee” in the amount necessary to reimburse the I-Bank for all of its costs and expenses incurred in connection with reviewing the additional security securing the I-Bank Loan as set forth in Exhibit F hereto, if any, including without limitation the fees and expenses of any professional advisers hired by the I-Bank in connection therewith.
(h) Each payment made by the Borrower pursuant to, and in satisfaction of, the requirements of this Section 3.03 shall be made by the Borrower to the Trustee via an electronic transfer of immediately available funds; provided, however, that upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Borrower, an Authorized Officer of the I-Bank may, in the sole discretion of such Authorized Officer, prescribe an alternative method by which payments pursuant to, and in satisfaction of, this Section 3.03 shall be made by the Borrower to the Trustee. Such method as prescribed by an Authorized Officer of the I-Bank may include, without limitation, the automatic debit by the I-Bank or the Trustee of the respective amounts of such payments, as required by this Section 3.03, from an account that shall be identified by the Borrower in writing and recorded on file with the I-Bank and the Trustee.
SECTION 3.03A. Unexpended Project Funds on Deposit in Project Loan Account. If, on the Project Loan Account Disbursement Deadline, any amounts remain on deposit in the Borrower’s Project Loan Account (“Unexpended Project Funds”), such Unexpended Project Funds on deposit in the Borrower’s Project Loan Account shall thereafter be applied by the I-Bank toward the Borrower’s obligation to make the Loan Repayments next coming due.
SECTION 3.04. Unconditional Obligations. The obligation of the Borrower to make the Loan Repayments and all other payments required hereunder and the obligation to perform and observe the other duties, covenants, obligations and agreements on its part contained herein shall be absolute and unconditional, and shall not be abated, rebated, set-off, reduced, abrogated, terminated, waived, diminished, postponed or otherwise modified in any manner or to any extent whatsoever while any I-Bank Bonds remain outstanding or any Loan Repayments remain unpaid, for any reason, regardless of any contingency, act of God, event or cause whatsoever, including (without limitation) any acts or circumstances that may constitute failure of consideration, eviction or constructive eviction, the taking by eminent domain or destruction of or damage to the Project or Environmental Infrastructure System, commercial frustration of the purpose, any change in the laws of the United States of America or of the State or any political subdivision of either or in the rules or regulations of any governmental authority, any failure of the I-Bank or the Trustee to perform and observe any agreement, whether express
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or implied, or any duty, liability or obligation arising out of or connected with the Project, this Loan Agreement or the Bond Indenture, or any rights of set-off, recoupment, abatement or counterclaim that the Borrower might otherwise have against the I-Bank, the Trustee or any other party or parties; provided, however, that payments hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any such rights. The Borrower shall not be obligated to make any payments required to be made by any other Borrowers under separate Loan Agreements or the Bond Indenture.
The Borrower acknowledges that payment of the I-Bank Bonds by the I-Bank does not constitute payment of the amounts due under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
The Borrower acknowledges that payment of the I-Bank Bonds from moneys that were originally received by the Trustee pursuant to Section 5.04(1) of the Bond Indenture from repayments by the Borrowers of loans made to the Borrowers by the State, acting by and through the Department, pursuant to loan agreements dated as of May 1, 2022 by and between the Borrowers and the State, acting by and through the Department, to finance or refinance a portion of the Costs of the Environmental Infrastructure Facilities of the Borrowers, and which moneys were upon such receipt by the Trustee deposited in the I-Bank Bonds Security Account (as defined in the Bond Indenture), does not constitute payment of the amounts due under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
SECTION 3.05. Loan Agreement to Survive Bond Indenture and I-Bank Bonds. The Borrower acknowledges that its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements hereunder shall survive the discharge of the Bond Indenture applicable to the I-Bank Bonds and shall survive the payment of the principal and redemption premium, if any, of and the interest on the I-Bank Bonds until the Borrower can take no action or fail to take any action that could adversely affect the exclusion from gross income of the interest on the I-Bank Bonds for purposes of federal income taxation, at which time such duties, covenants, obligations and agreements hereunder shall, except for those set forth in Sections 3.06(a) and (b) hereof, terminate.
SECTION 3.06. Disclaimer of Warranties and Indemnification.
(a) The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that (i) neither the I-Bank nor the Trustee makes any warranty or representation, either express or implied, as to the value, design, condition, merchantability or fitness for particular purpose or fitness for any use of the Environmental Infrastructure System or the Project or any portions thereof or any other warranty or representation with respect thereto; (ii) in no event shall the I-Bank or the Trustee or their respective agents be liable or responsible for any incidental, indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of this Loan Agreement or the Project or the existence, furnishing, functioning or use of the Environmental Infrastructure System or the Project or any item or products or services provided for in this Loan Agreement; and (iii) to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower shall indemnify and hold the I-Bank and the Trustee harmless against, and the Borrower shall pay any and all, liability, loss, cost, damage, claim, judgment or expense of any and all kinds or nature and however arising and imposed by law, which the I-Bank and the Trustee may sustain, be subject to or be caused to incur by reason of any claim, suit or action based upon personal injury, death or damage to property, whether real, personal or mixed, or upon or arising out of contracts entered into by the Borrower, the Borrower’s
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ownership of the Environmental Infrastructure System or the Project, or the acquisition, construction or installation of the Project.
(b) It is mutually agreed by the Borrower, the I-Bank and the Trustee that the I-Bank and its officers, agents, servants and employees shall not be liable for, and shall be indemnified and saved harmless by the Borrower in any event from, any action performed under this Loan Agreement and any claim or suit of whatsoever nature, except in the event of loss or damage resulting from their own negligence or willful misconduct. It is further agreed that the Trustee and its directors, officers, agents, servants or employees shall not be liable for, and shall be indemnified and saved harmless by the Borrower in any event from, any action performed pursuant to this Loan Agreement, except in the event of loss or damage resulting from their own negligence or willful misconduct.
(c) The Borrower and the I-Bank agree that all claims shall be subject to, and governed by, the provisions of the New Jersey Contractual Liability Act, N.J.S.A. 59:13-1 et seq. (except for N.J.S.A. 59:13-9 thereof), notwithstanding the fact that such statute, by its express terms would not apply to claims arising under contract with the I-Bank but for the provisions of this subsection
(d) In connection with its obligation to provide the insurance required under Section 2.02(j) hereof: (i) the Borrower shall include, or cause to be included, the I-Bank and its directors, employees and officers as additional “named insureds” on (A) any certificate of liability insurance procured by the Borrower (or other similar document evidencing the liability insurance coverage procured by the Borrower) and (B) any certificate of liability insurance procured by any contractor or subcontractor for the Project, and from the later of the date of the Loan Closing or the date of the initiation of construction of the Project until the date the Borrower receives the written certificate of Project completion from the I-Bank, the Borrower shall maintain said liability insurance covering the I-Bank and said directors, employees and officers in good standing; and (ii) the Borrower shall include the I-Bank as an additional “named insured” on any certificate of insurance providing against risk of direct physical loss, damage or destruction of the Environmental Infrastructure System, and during the Loan Term the Borrower shall maintain said insurance covering the I-Bank in good standing.
The Borrower shall provide the I-Bank with a copy of each of any such original, supplemental, amendatory or reissued certificates of insurance (or other similar documents evidencing the insurance coverage) required pursuant to this Section 3.06(d).
SECTION 3.07. Option to Prepay Loan Repayments. The Borrower may prepay the I-Bank Bond Loan Repayments, in whole or in part (but if in part, in the amount of $100,000 or any integral multiple thereof), upon prior written notice to the I-Bank and the Trustee not less than ninety (90) days in addition to the number of days’ advance notice to the Trustee required for any optional redemption of the I-Bank Bonds, and upon payment by the Borrower to the Trustee of amounts that, together with investment earnings thereon, will be sufficient to pay the principal amount of the I-Bank Bond Loan Repayments to be prepaid plus the Interest Portion described in clause (ii) of the definition thereof on any such date of redemption; provided, however, that, with respect to any prepayment other than those required by Section 3.03A hereof, any such full or partial prepayment may only be made (i) if the Borrower is not then in arrears on
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its Fund Loan, (ii) if the Borrower is contemporaneously making a full or partial prepayment of the Fund Loan such that, after the prepayment of the Loan and the Fund Loan, the I-Bank, in its sole discretion, determines that the interests of the owners of the I-Bank Bonds are not adversely affected by such prepayments, (iii) upon the prior written approval of the I-Bank, and (iv) provided that the Borrower shall agree to pay all costs and expenses of the I-Bank in connection with such prepayment, including, without limitation, the fees of Bond Counsel to the I-Bank and any other professional advisors to the I-Bank. In addition, if at the time of such prepayment the I-Bank Bonds may only be redeemed at the option of the I-Bank upon payment of a premium, the Borrower shall add to its prepayment of I-Bank Bond Loan Repayments an amount, as determined by the I-Bank, equal to such premium allocable to the I-Bank Bonds to be redeemed as a result of the Borrower’s prepayment. Prepayments shall be applied first to the Interest Portion that accrues on the portion of the Loan to be prepaid until such prepayment date as described in clause (ii) of the definition thereof and then to principal payments (including premium, if any) on the Loan in inverse order of their maturity.
SECTION 3.08. Priority of Loan and Fund Loan.
(a) The Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that, to the extent permitted by law, any repayments then due and payable on the Loan pursuant to this Loan Agreement and paid by the Borrower and any repayments then due and payable on the Fund Loan pursuant to the Fund Loan Agreement and paid by the Borrower shall be applied by the Trustee, first, to the payment obligations of the Borrower with respect to the Loan and, second, to the payment obligations of the Borrower with respect to the Fund Loan, all in a manner more specifically identified in subsection (b) hereof. The Borrower agrees not to interfere with any such action by the Trustee with respect to the application of repayments as set forth herein.
(b) The Borrower hereby further acknowledges and agrees that, in the event the Borrower fails or is unable to pay promptly to the I-Bank in full any I-Bank Bond Loan Repayments pursuant to this Loan Agreement when due, then any (i) Administrative Fee paid hereunder, (ii) late charges paid hereunder, and (iii) loan repayments paid by the Borrower on its Fund Loan pursuant to its Fund Loan Agreement, any of which payments shall be received by the Trustee during the time of any such I-Bank Bond Loan Repayment deficiency, shall be applied by the Trustee first to satisfy such I-Bank Bond Loan Repayment deficiency as a credit against the obligations of the Borrower to make payments of the Interest Portion under the Loan and the Borrower Bond, second, to the extent available, to make I-Bank Bond Loan Repayments of principal hereunder and payments of principal under the Borrower Bond, third, to the extent available, to pay the Administrative Fee, fourth, to the extent available, to pay any late charges hereunder, fifth, to the extent available, to satisfy the repayment of the Borrower’s Fund Loan pursuant to its Fund Loan Agreement, and finally, to the extent available, to satisfy the repayment of any administrative fee pursuant to its Fund Loan Agreement.
(c) The Borrower hereby further acknowledges and agrees that any loan repayments paid by the Borrower on its Fund Loan pursuant to its Fund Loan Agreement shall be applied according to the provisions of the Master Program Trust Agreement.
SECTION 3.09. Approval of the New Jersey State Treasurer. The Borrower and the I-Bank hereby acknowledge that, prior to or simultaneously with the Loan Closing, the New
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Jersey State Treasurer, in satisfaction of the requirements of Section 9a of the Act, issued the “Certificate of the New Jersey State Treasurer Regarding the Approval of the I-Bank Loan and the Fund Loan” (the “Treasurer’s Certificate”). Pursuant to the terms of the Treasurer’s Certificate, the New Jersey State Treasurer approved the Loan and the terms and conditions thereof as established by the provisions of this Loan Agreement.
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ARTICLE
IV
ASSIGNMENT OF LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER BOND
SECTION 4.01. Assignment and Transfer by I-Bank.
(a) The Borrower hereby expressly acknowledges that, other than the provisions of Section 2.02(d) hereof, the I-Bank’s right, title and interest in, to and under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond have been assigned to the Trustee as security for the I-Bank Bonds as provided in the Bond Indenture, and that if any Event of Default shall occur, the Trustee, pursuant to the Bond Indenture, shall be entitled to act hereunder in the place and stead of the I-Bank (subject to the provisions of this Section 4.01(a), below, and of Section 5.07 hereof). The Borrower hereby acknowledges the requirements of the Bond Indenture applicable to the I-Bank Bonds and consents to such assignment and appointment. This Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, including, without limitation, the right to receive payments required to be made by the Borrower hereunder and to compel or otherwise enforce observance and performance by the Borrower of its other duties, covenants, obligations and agreements hereunder, may be further transferred, assigned and reassigned in whole or in part to one or more assignees or subassignees by the Trustee at any time subsequent to their execution without the necessity of obtaining the consent of, but after giving prior written notice to, the Borrower.
The I-Bank shall retain the right to compel or otherwise enforce observance and performance by the Borrower of its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under Section 2.02(d) hereof (provided, however, that in no event shall the I-Bank have the right to accelerate the Borrower Bond in connection with the enforcement of Section 2.02(d) hereof) and as otherwise provided by the terms and provisions of Section 5.07 hereof.
(b) The Borrower hereby approves and consents to any assignment or transfer of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond that the I-Bank deems to be necessary in connection with any refunding of the I-Bank Bonds or the issuance of additional bonds under the Bond Indenture or otherwise, all in connection with the pooled loan program of the I-Bank.
SECTION 4.02. Assignment by Borrower. Neither this Loan Agreement nor the Borrower Bond may be assigned by the Borrower for any reason, unless the following conditions shall be satisfied: (i) the I-Bank and the Trustee shall have approved said assignment in writing; (ii) the assignee shall have expressly assumed in writing the full and faithful observance and performance of the Borrower’s duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the Borrower Bond; and (iii) immediately after such assignment, the assignee shall not be in default in the observance or performance of any duties, covenants, obligations or agreements of the Borrower under this Loan Agreement or the Borrower Bond.
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ARTICLE
V
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
SECTION 5.01. Events of Default. If any of the following events occur, it is hereby defined as and declared to be and to constitute an “Event of Default”:
(a) failure by the Borrower to pay, or cause to be paid, any I-Bank Bond Loan Repayment required to be paid hereunder when due;
(b) failure by the Borrower to make, or cause to be made, any required payments of principal, redemption premium, if any, and interest on any bonds, notes or other obligations of the Borrower issued under the Borrower Bond Resolution (other than the Loan and the Borrower Bond) or otherwise secured by all or a portion of the property pledged under the Borrower Bond Resolution, after giving effect to the applicable grace period;
(c) failure by the Borrower to pay, or cause to be paid, the Administrative Fee or any late charges incurred hereunder or any portion thereof when due, or to observe and perform any duty, covenant, obligation or agreement on its part to be observed or performed under this Loan Agreement, other than as referred to in subsections (a) and (g) of this Section 5.01, which failure shall continue for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice, specifying such failure and requesting that it be remedied, is given to the Borrower by the I-Bank, unless the I-Bank shall agree in writing to an extension of such time prior to its expiration; provided, however, that if the failure stated in such notice is correctable but cannot be corrected within the applicable period, the I-Bank may not unreasonably withhold its consent to an extension of such time up to 120 days from the delivery of the written notice referred to above if corrective action is instituted by the Borrower within the applicable period and diligently pursued until the failure is corrected;
(d) any representation made by or on behalf of the Borrower contained in this Loan Agreement, or in any instrument furnished in compliance with or with reference to this Loan Agreement or the Loan, is false or misleading in any material respect;
(e) a petition is filed by or against the Borrower under any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law in effect on the date of this Loan Agreement or thereafter enacted, and/or any proceeding with respect to such petition and/or pursuant to any such law shall occur or be pending (including, without limitation, the operation and administration of the Borrower pursuant to any plan of reorganization approved and implemented under any such law), unless in the case of any such petition filed against the Borrower or any such proceeding such petition and such proceeding shall be dismissed within thirty (30) days after such filing and such dismissal shall be final and not subject to appeal or the further jurisdiction of any court; or the Borrower shall become insolvent or bankrupt or shall make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or a custodian (including, without limitation, a receiver, liquidator or trustee of the Borrower or any of its property) shall be appointed by court order or take possession of the Borrower or its property or assets if such order remains in effect or such possession continues for more than thirty (30) days;
(f) the Borrower shall generally fail to pay its debts as such debts become due;
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(g) failure of the Borrower to observe or perform such additional duties, covenants, obligations, agreements or conditions as are required by the I-Bank and specified in each of Exhibit F and Exhibit G attached hereto and made a part hereof; and
(h) the occurrence of an “Event of Default” pursuant to, and as defined in, (i) the Fund Loan Agreement or (ii) any Construction Financing Program Loan that may be outstanding.
SECTION 5.02. Notice of Default. The Borrower shall give the Trustee and the I-Bank prompt telephonic notice, confirmed immediately thereafter with a written notice, of the occurrence of any Event of Default referred to in Section 5.01(e) or (f) hereof and of the occurrence of any other event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default at such time as any senior administrative or financial officer of the Borrower becomes aware of the existence thereof.
SECTION 5.03. Remedies on Default. Whenever an Event of Default referred to in Section 5.01 hereof shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower acknowledges the rights of the Trustee to direct any and all remedies in accordance with the terms of the Bond Indenture, and the Borrower also acknowledges that the I-Bank shall have the right to take, or to direct the Trustee to take, any action permitted or required pursuant to the Bond Indenture and to take whatever other action at law or in equity may appear necessary or desirable to collect the amounts then due and thereafter to become due hereunder or to enforce the observance and performance of any duty, covenant, obligation or agreement of the Borrower hereunder.
In addition, if an Event of Default referred to in Section 5.01(a) hereof shall have occurred and be continuing, the I-Bank shall, to the extent allowed by applicable law and to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Bond Indenture, have the right to declare, or to direct the Trustee to declare, all Loan Repayments and all other amounts due hereunder (including, without limitation, payments under the Borrower Bond) together with the prepayment premium, if any, calculated pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof to be immediately due and payable, and upon notice to the Borrower the same shall become due and payable without further notice or demand.
SECTION 5.04. Attorneys’ Fees and Other Expenses. The Borrower shall on demand pay to the I-Bank or the Trustee the reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys and other reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, the reasonably allocated costs of in-house counsel and legal staff) incurred by either of them in the collection of I-Bank Bond Loan Repayments or any other sum due hereunder or in the enforcement of the observation or performance of any other duties, covenants, obligations or agreements of the Borrower upon an Event of Default.
SECTION 5.05. Application of Moneys. Any moneys collected by the I-Bank or the Trustee pursuant to Section 5.03 hereof shall be applied (a) first to pay any attorneys’ fees or other fees and expenses owed by the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.04 hereof, (b) second, to the extent available, to pay the Interest Portion then due and payable, (c) third, to the extent available, to pay the principal due and payable on the Loan, (d) fourth, to the extent available, to pay the Administrative Fee, any late charges incurred hereunder or any other amounts due and payable under this Loan Agreement, and (e) fifth, to the extent available, to pay the Interest
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Portion and the principal on the Loan and other amounts payable hereunder as such amounts become due and payable.
SECTION 5.06. No Remedy Exclusive; Waiver; Notice. No remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the I-Bank or the Trustee is intended to be exclusive, and every such remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given under this Loan Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity. No delay or omission to exercise any right, remedy or power accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right, remedy or power or shall be construed to be a waiver thereof, but any such right, remedy or power may be exercised from time to time and as often as may be deemed expedient. In order to entitle the I-Bank or the Trustee to exercise any remedy reserved to it in this Article V, it shall not be necessary to give any notice other than such notice as may be required in this Article V.
SECTION 5.07. Retention of I-Bank’s Rights. Notwithstanding any assignment or transfer of this Loan Agreement pursuant to the provisions hereof or of the Bond Indenture, or anything else to the contrary contained herein, the I-Bank shall have the right upon the occurrence of an Event of Default to take any action, including (without limitation) bringing an action against the Borrower at law or in equity, as the I-Bank may, in its discretion, deem necessary to enforce the obligations of the Borrower to the I-Bank pursuant to Section 5.03 hereof.
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ARTICLE
VI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 6.01. Notices. All notices, certificates or other communications hereunder shall be sufficiently given and shall be deemed given when hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, (i) to the Borrower at the address specified in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and made a part hereof and (ii) to the I-Bank and the Trustee at the following respective addresses:
(a) I-Bank:
New Jersey Infrastructure Bank
3131 Princeton Pike
Building 4, Suite 216
Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648-2201
Attention: Executive Director
(b) Trustee:
Zions Bancorporation, National Association d/b/a Zions Bank
401 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1729
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
Attention: Corporate Trust Department
Any of the foregoing parties may designate any further or different addresses to which subsequent notices, certificates or other communications shall be sent by notice in writing given to the others.
SECTION 6.02. Binding Effect. This Loan Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the I-Bank and the Borrower and their respective successors and assigns.
SECTION 6.03. Severability. In the event any provision of this Loan Agreement shall be held illegal, invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate, render unenforceable or otherwise affect any other provision hereof.
SECTION 6.04. Amendments, Supplements and Modifications.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 6.04, this Loan Agreement may not be amended, supplemented or modified without the prior written consent of the I-Bank and the Borrower and without the satisfaction of all conditions set forth in Section 11.12 of the Bond Indenture. Notwithstanding the conditions set forth in Section 11.12 of the Bond Indenture, (i) Section 2.02(q) hereof may be amended, supplemented or modified upon the written consent of the I-Bank and the Borrower and without the consent of the Trustee or any holders of the I-Bank Bonds, and (ii) Exhibit H hereto may be amended, supplemented or modified prior to the execution and delivery thereof as the I-Bank, in its sole discretion, shall determine to be necessary, desirable or convenient for the purpose of satisfying Rule 15c2-12 and the purpose and intent thereof as Rule 15c2-12, its purpose and intent may hereafter be interpreted from time to time by the SEC or any court of competent jurisdiction, and such amendment, supplement or modification shall not require the consent of the Borrower, the Trustee or any holders of the I-Bank Bonds.
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SECTION 6.05. Execution in Counterparts. This Loan Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
SECTION 6.06. Applicable Law and Regulations. This Loan Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State, including the Act and the Regulations, which Regulations are, by this reference thereto, incorporated herein as part of this Loan Agreement.
SECTION 6.07. Consents and Approvals. Whenever the written consent or approval of the I-Bank or an Authorized Officer of the I-Bank, as the case may be, shall be required pursuant to the provisions of this Loan Agreement, such consent or approval may only be given by the I-Bank or an Authorized Officer of the I-Bank, as the case may be, (i) unless otherwise provided by law or by the rules, regulations or resolutions of the I-Bank, or (ii) unless expressly delegated to the Trustee, and (iii) except as otherwise provided in Section 6.09 hereof. Further, whenever the written consent or approval of the I-Bank or an Authorized Officer of the I-Bank, as the case may be, shall be required pursuant to the provisions of this Loan Agreement, such approval or consent of the I-Bank pursuant to the provisions hereof may be either granted or withheld by the I-Bank in its sole and absolute discretion.
SECTION 6.08. Captions. The captions or headings in this Loan Agreement are for convenience only and shall not in any way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of any provisions or sections of this Loan Agreement.
SECTION 6.09. Benefit of Loan Agreement; Compliance with Bond Indenture. This Loan Agreement is executed, among other reasons, to induce the purchase of the I-Bank Bonds. Accordingly, all duties, covenants, obligations and agreements of the Borrower herein contained are hereby declared to be for the benefit of and are enforceable by the I-Bank, the holders of the I-Bank Bonds and the Trustee. The Borrower covenants and agrees to observe and comply with, and to enable the I-Bank to observe and comply with, all applicable duties, covenants, obligations and agreements contained in the Bond Indenture.
SECTION 6.10. Further Assurances. The Borrower shall, at the request of the I-Bank, authorize, execute, attest, acknowledge and deliver such further resolutions, conveyances, transfers, assurances, financing statements and other instruments as may be necessary or desirable for better assuring, conveying, granting, assigning and confirming the rights, security interests and agreements granted or intended to be granted by this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
SECTION 6.11. No Personal Liability. The Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that, pursuant to and consistent with the provisions of Section 13 of the Act (N.J.S.A. 58:11B-13), neither the directors of the I-Bank nor any officers of the I-Bank taking any action with respect to the issuance of the I-Bank Bonds or the making of the Loan pursuant to this Loan Agreement shall be liable personally with respect to the I-Bank Bonds or the Loan or any matters or transactions related thereto.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the I-Bank and the Borrower have caused this Loan Agreement to be executed, sealed and delivered as of the date first above written.
NEW JERSEY INFRASTRUCTURE BANK
| |||
[SEAL] | By: | /s/ Robert A. Briant, Jr. | |
Robert A. Briant, Jr. | |||
ATTEST:
|
Chairperson | ||
/s/ David E. Zimmer | |||
David E. Zimmer | |||
Assistant Secretary |
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY | ||
[SEAL] |
|||
By: | /s/ A. Bruce O’Conner | ||
ATTEST: | Senior Vice President, Treasurer | ||
|
and Chief Financial Officer | ||
/s/ Jay L. Kooper | |||
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
[signature page]
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Exhibit 10.41
LOAN AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION,
AND
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
(PROJECT NOS. 1225001-025/028)
DATED AS OF MAY 1, 2022
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TABLE OF CONTENTS | |
Page | |
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS | |
SECTION 1.01. Definitions | 2 |
ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF BORROWER | |
SECTION 2.01. Representations of Borrower | 6 |
SECTION 2.02. Particular Covenants of Borrower | 9 |
ARTICLE III LOAN TO BORROWER; AMOUNTS PAYABLE; GENERAL AGREEMENTS | |
SECTION 3.01. Loan; Loan Term | 14 |
SECTION 3.02. Disbursement of Loan Proceeds | 14 |
SECTION 3.03. Amounts Payable | 15 |
SECTION 3.03A. Unexpended Project Funds | 16 |
SECTION 3.04. Unconditional Obligations | 16 |
SECTION 3.05. Loan Agreement to Survive Loan | 17 |
SECTION 3.06. Disclaimer of Warranties and Indemnification | 17 |
SECTION 3.07. Option to Prepay Loan Repayments | 18 |
SECTION 3.08. Priority of Loan and I-Bank Loan | 18 |
SECTION 3.09. Approval of the New Jersey State Treasurer | 19 |
ARTICLE IV ASSIGNMENT OF LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER BOND | |
SECTION 4.01. Assignment and Transfer by State | 20 |
SECTION 4.02. Assignment by Borrower | 20 |
ARTICLE V EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES | |
SECTION 5.01. Events of Default | 21 |
SECTION 5.02. Notice of Default | 22 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS | |
Page | |
SECTION 5.03. Remedies on Default | 22 |
SECTION 5.04. Attorneys’ Fees and Other Expenses | 22 |
SECTION 5.05. Application of Moneys | 22 |
SECTION 5.06. No Remedy Exclusive; Waiver; Notice | 22 |
SECTION 5.07. Retention of State’s Rights | 23 |
ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS | |
SECTION 6.01. Notices | 24 |
SECTION 6.02. Binding Effect | 24 |
SECTION 6.03. Severability | 24 |
SECTION 6.04. Amendments, Supplements and Modifications | 24 |
SECTION 6.05. Execution in Counterparts | 25 |
SECTION 6.06. Applicable Law and Regulations | 25 |
SECTION 6.07. Consents and Approvals | 25 |
SECTION 6.08. Captions | 25 |
SECTION 6.09. Further Assurances | 25 |
SCHEDULE A | Certain Additional Loan Agreement Provisions | S-1 |
EXHIBIT A | (1) Description of Project and Environmental Infrastructure System | A-1 |
(2) Description of Loan | A-2 | |
EXHIBIT B | Basis for Determination of Allowable Project Costs | B-1 |
EXHIBIT C | Estimated Disbursement Schedule | C-1 |
EXHIBIT D | Specimen Borrower Bond | D-1 |
EXHIBIT E | Opinions of Borrower’s Bond Counsel and General Counsel | E-1 |
EXHIBIT F | Additional Covenants and Requirements | F-1 |
EXHIBIT G | General Administrative Requirements for the New Jersey Water Bank | G-1 |
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NEW JERSEY WATER BANK FUND LOAN AGREEMENT
THIS LOAN AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of May 1, 2022 by and between THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, acting by and through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Borrower (capitalized terms used in this Loan Agreement shall have, unless the context otherwise requires, the meanings ascribed thereto in Section 1.01 hereof);
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS, the Borrower has, in accordance with the Regulations, made timely application to the State for a Loan to finance a portion of the Costs of the Project;
WHEREAS, the State has approved the Borrower’s application for a Loan from Federal Funds, if and when received by and available to the State, and moneys from repayments of loans previously made from such Federal Funds, in the amount of the loan commitment set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof to finance a portion of the Costs of the Project;
WHEREAS, the New Jersey State Legislature has approved an appropriations act that authorizes an expenditure of said proceeds, Federal Funds or related moneys to finance a portion of the Costs of the Project;
WHEREAS, the Borrower, in accordance with the Business Corporation Law and all other applicable law, will issue a Borrower Bond to the State evidencing and securing said Loan at the Loan Closing;
WHEREAS, in accordance with the New Jersey Infrastructure Trust Act, P.L. 1985, c. 334, as amended, and the Regulations, the Borrower has been awarded an I-Bank Loan for a portion of the Costs of the Project plus, if applicable to the Borrower, capitalized interest on the I-Bank Loan and certain costs of issuance.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the award of the Loan by the State, the Borrower agrees to complete the Project and to perform under this Loan Agreement in accordance with the conditions, covenants and procedures set forth herein and attached hereto as part hereof, as follows:
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ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions.
(a) The following terms as used in this Loan Agreement shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
“Administrative Fee” means an annual fee of up to one percent (1.0%) of the initial principal amount of the Loan or such lesser amount, if any, as may be authorized by any act of the New Jersey State Legislature and as the State may approve from time to time.
“Authorized Officer” means (i) in the case of the I-Bank, the Chairman, Vice-Chairman or Executive Director of the I-Bank, or any other person or persons designated by the I-Bank by resolution to act on behalf of the I-Bank pursuant to this Loan Agreement, and (ii) in the case of the Borrower, any person or persons authorized pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors of the Borrower to perform any act or execute any document relating to the Loan, the Borrower Bond or this Loan Agreement.
“Bond Act” means, as applicable, (i) the Water Supply Bond Act of 1981, P.L. 1981, c. 261, as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented, (ii) the Wastewater Treatment Bond Act of 1985, P.L. 1985, c. 329, as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented, (iii) the Stormwater Management and Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Bond Act of 1989, P.L. 1989, c. 181, as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented, (iv) the Green Acres, Clean Water, Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 1992, P.L. 1992, c. 88, as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented, and (v) the Dam, Lake, Stream, Flood Control, Water Resources, and Wastewater Treatment Project Bond Act of 2003, P.L. 2003, c.162, as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented.
“Bond Counsel” means a law firm appointed or approved by the State, as the case may be, having a reputation in the field of municipal law whose opinions are generally acceptable by purchasers of municipal bonds.
“Borrower Bond” means the general obligation bond, note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness authorized, executed, attested and delivered by the Borrower to the State and authenticated on behalf of the Borrower to evidence and secure the Borrower’s obligations to pay the Loan Repayments and all other amounts due and owing by the Borrower under this Loan Agreement, a specimen of which is attached hereto as Exhibit D and made a part hereof.
“Borrowers” means any other Local Government Unit or Private Entity (as such terms are defined in the Regulations) authorized to construct, operate and maintain Environmental Infrastructure Facilities that have entered into Loan Agreements with the State pursuant to which the State will make Loans to such recipients from Federal Funds.
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"Business Corporation Law" means the "New Jersey Business Corporation Act", constituting Chapter 263 of the Pamphlet Laws of 1968 of the State (codified at N.J.S.A. 14A:1-1 et seq.), as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented, including any regulations promulgated thereunder, any successor code thereto and any administrative or judicial interpretations thereof.
“Construction Financing Program Loan” means any loan that may have been made on the date of the Loan Closing by the I-Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Construction Financing Program of the I-Bank for the purpose of financing a portion of the Costs of the Project, and, if made and outstanding, shall be identified and described in Exhibit F hereto.
“Costs” means those costs that are eligible, reasonable, necessary, allocable to the Project and permitted by generally accepted accounting principles, including Allowances and Building Costs (as defined in the Regulations), as shall be determined on a project-specific basis in accordance with the Regulations as set forth in Exhibit B hereto, as the same may be amended by subsequent eligible costs as evidenced by a certificate of an authorized officer of the State.
“Department” means the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
“Environmental Infrastructure Facilities” means Water Supply Facilities (as such term is defined in the Regulations).
“Environmental Infrastructure System” means the Environmental Infrastructure Facilities of the Borrower, including the Project, described in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and made a part hereof, a portion of the Costs of which is being financed or refinanced by the State through the making of the Loan pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Loan Agreement. for which the Borrower is borrowing the Loan under this Loan Agreement.
“Event of Default” means any occurrence or event specified in Section 5.01 hereof.
“Federal Funds” means those funds awarded to the State pursuant to the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq.) or the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. §300f et seq.), as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented.
“I-Bank” means the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, a public body corporate and politic with corporate succession duly created and validly existing under and by virtue of P.L. 1985, c. 334, as amended (N.J.S.A. 58:11B-1 et seq.).
“I-Bank Loan” means the loan made to the Borrower by the I-Bank pursuant to the I-Bank Loan Agreement.
“I-Bank Loan Agreement” means the loan agreement by and between the Borrower and the I-Bank dated as of May 1, 2022 to finance or refinance a portion of the Costs of the Project.
“Loan” means the loan made by the State to the Borrower to finance or refinance a portion of the Costs of the Project pursuant to this Loan Agreement. For all purposes of this
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Loan Agreement, the principal amount of the Loan at any time shall be the amount of the loan commitment set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof (such amount being also specified as the initial aggregate principal amount of the Borrower Bond) less any amount of such principal amount that has been repaid by the Borrower under this Loan Agreement and less any adjustment made for low bid or final building costs pursuant to the provisions of N.J.A.C. 7:22-3.26 and the appropriations act of the New Jersey State Legislature authorizing the expenditure of moneys to finance a portion of the Costs of the Project.
“Loan Agreement” means this Loan Agreement, including Schedule A and the Exhibits attached hereto, as it may be supplemented, modified or amended from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
“Loan Agreements” means any other loan agreements entered into by and between the State and one or more of the Borrowers pursuant to which the State will make Loans to such Borrowers from Federal Funds.
“Loan Closing” means the date upon which the Borrower shall deliver its Borrower Bond, as previously authorized, executed, attested and, if applicable, authenticated, to the State.
“Loan Repayments” means the sum of (i) the repayments of the principal amount of the Loan payable by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.03(a) of this Loan Agreement and (ii) any late charges incurred hereunder, but shall not include the Administrative Fee.
“Loan Term” means the term of this Loan Agreement provided in Sections 3.01 and 3.03 hereof and in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof.
“Loans” means the loans made by the State to the Borrowers under the Loan Agreements from moneys from Federal Funds.
“Master Program Trust Agreement” means that certain Master Program Trust Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1995, by and among the I-Bank, the State, United States Trust Company of New York, as Master Program Trustee thereunder, The Bank of New York (NJ), in several capacities thereunder, and First Fidelity Bank, N.A. (predecessor to Wachovia Bank, National Association), in several capacities thereunder, as supplemented by that certain Agreement of Resignation of Outgoing Master Program Trustee, Appointment of Successor Master Program Trustee and Acceptance Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2001, by and among United States Trust Company of New York, as Outgoing Master Program Trustee, State Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A. (predecessor to U.S. Bank Trust National Association), as Successor Master Program Trustee, and the I-Bank, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
“Prime Rate” means the prevailing commercial interest rate announced by the Trustee from time to time in the State as its prime lending rate.
“Project” means the Environmental Infrastructure Facilities of the Borrower described in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and made a part hereof, which constitutes a project for which the State is permitted to make a loan to the Borrower pursuant to the Regulations, a portion of the Costs of which is being financed or refinanced by the State through the making of the Loan
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pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Loan Agreement and which may be identified under either the Drinking Water or Clean Water Project Lists with the Project Number specified in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto.
“Regulations” means the rules and regulations, as applicable, now or hereafter promulgated under N.J.A.C. 7:22-3 et seq., 7:22-4 et seq., 7:22-5 et seq., 7:22-6 et seq., 7:22-7 et seq., 7:22-8 et seq., 7:22-9 et seq. and 7:22-10 et seq., as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented.
“State” means the State of New Jersey, acting, unless otherwise specifically indicated, by and through the Department, and its successors and assigns.
“State Fund” means, as applicable, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Wastewater Treatment Fund, the 1992 Wastewater Treatment Fund, the Stormwater Management and Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Fund, the 1992 Dam Restoration and Clean Water Trust Fund, the 2003 Dam, Lake and Stream Project Revolving Loan Fund, the 2003 Water Resources and Wastewater Treatment Fund or the Water Supply Fund as defined in and as established pursuant to the applicable Bond Act.
“Trustee” means, initially, Zions Bancorporation, National Association d/b/a Zions Bank, the Trustee appointed by the I-Bank and its successors as Trustee under the Bond Indenture (as defined in the I-Bank Loan Agreement), as provided in Article X of the Bond Indenture.
“Unexpended Project Funds” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.03A hereof.
(b) In addition to the capitalized terms defined in subsection (a) of this Section 1.01, certain additional capitalized terms used in this Loan Agreement shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the meanings ascribed to such additional capitalized terms in Schedule A attached hereto and made a part hereof.
(c) Except as otherwise defined herein or where the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular number shall include the plural number and vice versa, and words importing persons shall include firms, associations, corporations, agencies and districts. Words importing one gender shall include all genders.
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ARTICLE
II
REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF BORROWER
SECTION 2.01. Representations of Borrower. The Borrower represents for the benefit of the State as follows:
(a) Organization and Authority.
(i) The Borrower is a corporation duly created and validly existing pursuant to the Constitution and statutes of the State of New Jersey, including the Business Corporation Law.
(ii) The officers of the Borrower who are contemporaneously herewith performing or have previously performed any action contemplated in this Loan Agreement either are or, at the time any such action was performed, were the duly appointed or elected officers of such Borrower empowered by applicable New Jersey law and, if applicable, authorized by resolution of the Borrower to perform such actions. To the extent any such action was performed by an officer who is no longer the duly acting officer of such Borrower, all such actions previously taken by such officer remain in full force and effect.
(iii) The Borrower has full legal right and authority and all necessary licenses and permits required as of the date hereof to own, operate and maintain its Environmental Infrastructure System, to carry on its activities relating thereto, to execute, attest and deliver this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, to authorize the authentication of the Borrower Bond, to sell the Borrower Bond to the State, to undertake and complete the Project and to carry out and consummate all transactions contemplated by this Loan Agreement.
(iv) The proceedings of the Borrower’s board of directors approving this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, authorizing the execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, authorizing the sale of the Borrower Bond to the State, authorizing the authentication of the Borrower Bond on behalf of the Borrower and authorizing the Borrower to undertake and complete the Project, including, without limitation, the Borrower Bond Resolution (collectively, the “Proceedings”), have been duly and lawfully adopted in accordance with the Business Corporation Law and other applicable New Jersey law at a meeting or meetings that were duly called and held in accordance with the Borrower By-Laws and at which quorums were present and acting throughout.
(v) By official action of the Borrower taken prior to or concurrent with the execution and delivery hereof, including, without limitation, the Proceedings, the Borrower has duly authorized, approved and consented to all necessary action to be taken by the Borrower for: (A) the execution, attestation, delivery and performance of this Loan Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; (B) the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the State upon the terms set forth herein; and (C)
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the execution, delivery and due performance of any and all other certificates, agreements and instruments that may be required to be executed, delivered and performed by the Borrower in order to carry out, give effect to and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Loan Agreement.
(vi) This Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond have each been duly authorized by the Borrower and duly executed, attested and delivered by Authorized Officers of the Borrower, and the Borrower Bond has been duly sold by the Borrower to the State, duly authenticated by the trustee or paying agent, if applicable, under the Borrower Bond Resolution and duly issued by the Borrower in accordance with the terms of the Borrower Bond Resolution; and assuming that the State has all the requisite power and authority to authorize, execute, attest and deliver, and has duly authorized, executed, attested and delivered, this Loan Agreement, and assuming further that this Loan Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the State, enforceable against the State in accordance with its terms, each of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its respective terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be affected by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws or the application by a court of legal or equitable principles affecting creditors' rights; and the information contained under "Description of Loan" in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof is true and accurate in all respects.
(b) Full Disclosure. There is no fact that the Borrower has not disclosed to the State in writing on the Borrower’s application for the Loan or otherwise that materially adversely affects or (so far as the Borrower can now foresee) that will materially adversely affect the properties, activities, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System, or the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments or otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
(c) Pending Litigation. There are no proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower in any court or before any governmental authority or arbitration board or tribunal that, if adversely determined, would materially adversely affect (i) the undertaking or completion of the Project, (ii) the properties, activities, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System, (iii) the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments, (iv) the authorization, execution, attestation or delivery of this Loan Agreement or the Borrower Bond, (v) the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the State, (vi) the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution, or (vii) the Borrower’s ability otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, which proceedings have not been previously disclosed in writing to the State either in the Borrower’s application for the Loan or otherwise.
(d) Compliance with Existing Laws and Agreements. (i) The authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond by the Borrower, (ii) the authentication of the Borrower Bond by the trustee or paying agent under the Borrower Bond Resolution, as the case may be, and the sale of the Borrower Bond to the State,
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(iii) the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution, (iv) the observation and performance by the Borrower of its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements hereunder and under the Borrower Bond, (v) the consummation of the transactions provided for in this Loan Agreement, the Borrower Bond Resolution and the Borrower Bond, and (vi) the undertaking and completion of the Project will not (A) other than the lien, charge or encumbrance created hereby, by the Borrower Bond, by the Borrower Bond Resolution and by any other outstanding debt obligations of the Borrower that are at parity with the Borrower Bond as to lien on, and source and security for payment thereon from, the revenues of the Borrower’s Environmental Infrastructure System, result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any properties or assets of the Borrower pursuant to, (B) result in any breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or (C) constitute a default under, any existing resolution, outstanding debt or lease obligation, trust agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other instrument to which the Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower, its Environmental Infrastructure System or any of its properties or assets may be bound, nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or other document pursuant to which the Borrower was established or any laws, ordinances, injunctions, judgments, decrees, rules, regulations or existing orders of any court or governmental or administrative agency, authority or person to which the Borrower, its Environmental Infrastructure System or its properties or operations is subject.
(e) No Defaults. No event has occurred and no condition exists that, upon the authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the State, the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution or the receipt of the amount of the Loan, would constitute an Event of Default hereunder. The Borrower is not in violation of, and has not received notice of any claimed violation of, any term of any agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it, its Environmental Infrastructure System or its properties may be bound, which violation would materially adversely affect the properties, activities, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System or the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments, to pay all other amounts due hereunder or otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
(f) Governmental Consent. The Borrower has obtained all permits and approvals required to date by any governmental body or officer (i) for the authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, (ii) for the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the State, (iii) for the adoption of the Borrower Bond Resolution, (iv) for the making, observance and performance by the Borrower of its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, and (v) for the undertaking or completion of the Project and the financing or refinancing thereof, including, but not limited to, if required, the approval by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (the “BPU”) of the issuance by the Borrower of the Borrower Bond to the State and any other approvals required therefor by the BPU; and the Borrower has complied with all applicable provisions of law requiring any notification, declaration, filing or registration with any governmental body or officer in connection with the making, observance and performance by the Borrower of its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond or with the undertaking or completion of the Project and the financing or
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refinancing thereof. No consent, approval or authorization of, or filing, registration or qualification with, any governmental body or officer that has not been obtained is required on the part of the Borrower as a condition to the authorization, execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, the issuance of the Borrower Bond and the sale thereof to the State, the undertaking or completion of the Project or the consummation of any transaction herein contemplated.
(g) Compliance with Law. The Borrower:
(i) is in compliance with all laws, ordinances, governmental rules and regulations to which it is subject, the failure to comply with which would materially adversely affect (A) the ability of the Borrower to conduct its activities or to undertake or complete the Project, (B) the ability of the Borrower to make the Loan Repayments and to pay all other amounts due hereunder, or (C) the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System; and
(ii) has obtained all licenses, permits, franchises or other governmental authorizations presently necessary for the ownership of its properties or for the conduct of its activities that, if not obtained, would materially adversely affect (A) the ability of the Borrower to conduct its activities or to undertake or complete the Project, (B) the ability of the Borrower to make the Loan Repayments and to pay all other amounts due hereunder, or (C) the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System.
(h) Use of Proceeds. The Borrower will apply the proceeds of the Loan from the State as described in Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof (i) to finance or refinance a portion of the Costs of the Project; and (ii) where applicable, to reimburse the Borrower for a portion of the Costs of the Project, which portion was paid or incurred in anticipation of reimbursement by the State from proceeds of the Loan and is eligible for such reimbursement pursuant to the Regulations, the Code and any other applicable law. All of such costs constitute Costs for which the State is authorized to make Loans to the Borrower pursuant to the Regulations.
SECTION 2.02. Particular Covenants of Borrower.
(a) Promise to Pay. The Borrower unconditionally and irrevocably promises in accordance with the terms of and to the extent provided in the Borrower Bond Resolution, to make punctual payment of the principal of the Loan and the Borrower Bond, and all other amounts due under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond according to their respective terms.
(b) Performance Under Loan Agreement; Rates. The Borrower covenants and agrees (i) to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations in the performance of this Loan Agreement; (ii) to maintain its Environmental Infrastructure System in good repair and operating condition; (iii) to cooperate with the State in the observance and performance of the respective duties, covenants, obligations and agreements of the Borrower and the State under this Loan Agreement; and (iv) to establish, levy and collect rents, rates and other charges for the
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products and services provided by its Environmental Infrastructure System, which rents, rates and other charges, together with any other moneys available for that purpose, shall be at least sufficient (A) to meet the operation and maintenance expenses of its Environmental Infrastructure System, and (B) to comply with all covenants pertaining thereto contained in, and all other provisions of, any bond resolution, trust indenture or other security agreement, if any, relating to any bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued or to be issued by the Borrower, including without limitation rents, rates and other charges, together with other available moneys, sufficient to pay the principal of, and interest if any on, the Borrower Bond, plus all other amounts due hereunder.
(c) Revenue Obligation; No Prior Pledges. The Borrower shall not be required to make payments under this Loan Agreement except from the revenues of its Environmental Infrastructure System and from such other funds of such Environmental Infrastructure System legally available therefor and from any other sources pledged to such payment pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 2.02. In no event shall the Borrower be required to make payments under this Loan Agreement from any revenues or receipts not derived from its Environmental Infrastructure System or pledged pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 2.02. Except for (i) loan repayments required with respect to the I-Bank Loan, (ii) the debt service on any future bonds or notes of the Borrower issued at parity with the Borrower Bond under the Borrower Bond Resolution, and (iii) the debt service on any bonds, notes or evidences of indebtedness of the Borrower at parity with the Borrower Bond under the Borrower Bond Resolution and currently outstanding or issued on the date hereof, the revenues derived by the Borrower from its Environmental Infrastructure System, after the payment of all costs of operating and maintaining the Environmental Infrastructure System, are and will be free and clear of any pledge, lien, charge or encumbrance thereon or with respect thereto prior to, or of equal rank with, the obligation of the Borrower to make Loan Repayments under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond, and all corporate or other action on the part of the Borrower to that end has been and will be duly and validly taken.
(d) Completion of Project and Provision of Moneys Therefor. The Borrower covenants and agrees to exercise its best efforts in accordance with prudent environmental infrastructure utility practice to complete the Project and to accomplish such completion on or before the Project Completion Date. In undertaking and completing the Project, the Borrower covenants and agrees to comply with each of the terms and provisions contained herein, including, without limitation, Section 2.02(h)(ii) hereof and the Exhibits hereto (including, without limitation, Exhibit G hereto). In order to complete the Project in satisfaction of the terms and provisions hereof, including, without limitation, Section 2.02(h)(ii) hereof and the Exhibits hereto, the Borrower hereby covenants and agrees to provide from its own fiscal resources all moneys, in excess of the total amount of loan proceeds it receives pursuant to the Loan and the I-Bank Loan, as well as any outstanding Construction Financing Program Loan, that are required in order to complete the Project.
(e) See Section 2.02(e) as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto, made a part hereof and incorporated in this Section 2.02(e) by reference as if set forth in full herein.
(f) Reserved.
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(g) Operation and Maintenance of Environmental Infrastructure System. The Borrower covenants and agrees that it shall, in accordance with prudent environmental infrastructure utility practice, (i) at all times operate the properties of its Environmental Infrastructure System and any business in connection therewith in an efficient manner, (ii) maintain its Environmental Infrastructure System in good repair, working order and operating condition, and (iii) from time to time make all necessary and proper repairs, renewals, replacements, additions, betterments and improvements with respect to its Environmental Infrastructure System so that at all times the business carried on in connection therewith shall be properly and advantageously conducted.
(h) Records and Accounts.
(i) The Borrower shall keep accurate records and accounts for its Environmental Infrastructure System (the “System Records”) separate and distinct from its other records and accounts (the “General Records”). Such System Records shall be audited annually by an independent or certified public accountant, which may be part of the annual audit of the General Records of the Borrower. Such System Records and General Records shall be made available for inspection by the State at any reasonable time upon prior written notice, and a copy of such annual audit(s) therefor, including all written comments and recommendations of such accountant, shall be furnished to the State within 150 days of the close of the fiscal year being so audited, or such additional period of time as shall be consented to by the State, in the sole and absolute discretion of the State, subject to the application of applicable law relating to such additional period of time for the Borrower to complete its audit.
(ii) Within thirty (30) days following receipt of any Loan proceeds, including without limitation the “Allowance for Administrative Costs” or the “Allowance for Planning and Design” set forth in Exhibit B hereto, the Borrower shall allocate such proceeds to expenditures in a manner that satisfies the requirements of Treasury Regulation §1.148-6(d) and transmit a copy of each such allocation to the State. No portion of the Allowance for Administrative Costs will be allocated to a cost other than a cost described in N.J.A.C. 7:22-5.11(a) 3, 4, 5 or 6 or on a date later than the 180th day after the Loan Closing. In addition, all costs described in N.J.A.C. 7:22-5.11(a) 3, 4, 5, and 6 and paid by the Borrower from a source other than the proceeds of the Loan shall be paid on a date not later than the 180th day after Loan Closing. No portion of the Allowance for Planning and Design will be allocated to a cost other than a cost described N.J.A.C. 7:22-5.12, or other costs of the Borrower’s Environmental Infrastructure System which are “capital expenditures,” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations §1.150-1. The Borrower shall retain records of such allocations for at least until the date that is three years after the scheduled maturity date of the Loan. The Borrower shall make such records available to the State within fifteen (15) days of any request by the State. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof to the contrary, the Borrower may only submit a requisition for Loan proceeds from the Allowance for Administrative Costs within ninety (90) days of the Loan Closing.
(i) Inspections; Information. The Borrower shall permit the State (and any party designated by the State to act on its behalf or to assist it, including, without limitation, its
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professional advisors), at any and all reasonable times during construction of the Project and, thereafter, upon prior written notice, (i) to visit, inspect and examine the property constituting the Project and the site on which the Project is located, and (ii) to inspect (and make and retain copies of) any Borrower accounts, books, records, correspondence and files, including, without limitation, Borrower records regarding contracts, receipts, disbursements, investments and the overall financial standing of the Borrower, and any other matters related to the Borrower, the Project and the forgoing list of deliverables. In furtherance of the intent of this subsection, the Borrower shall promptly prepare and provide such written reports and informational summaries as the State may reasonably require.
(j) Insurance. The Borrower shall maintain or cause to be maintained, in force, insurance policies with responsible insurers or self-insurance programs providing against risk of direct physical loss, damage or destruction of, or to, its Environmental Infrastructure System at least to the extent that similar insurance is typically carried, and considered commercially reasonable, by utilities constructing, operating and maintaining Environmental Infrastructure Facilities of the nature of the Borrower’s Environmental Infrastructure System, including liability coverage, all to the extent available at reasonable cost but in no case less than will satisfy all regulatory requirements applicable to the Borrower and its Environmental Infrastructure System.
(k) Costs of Project. The Borrower certifies that the building cost of the Project, as listed in Exhibit B hereto and made a part hereof, is a reasonable and accurate estimation thereof, and that it will supply to the State a certificate from a licensed professional engineer authorized to practice in the State stating that such building cost is a reasonable and accurate estimation and that the useful life of the Project exceeds the maturity date of the Borrower Bond.
(l) Delivery of Documents. Concurrently with the delivery of this Loan Agreement (as previously authorized, executed and attested) at the Loan Closing, the Borrower will cause to be delivered to the State each of the following items:
(i) an opinion of the Borrower’s bond counsel substantially in the form of Exhibit E hereto; provided, however, that the State may permit portions of such opinion to be rendered by general counsel to the Borrower and may permit variances in such opinion from the form set forth in Exhibit E if, in the sole discretion of the State, such variances are acceptable to the State;
(ii) counterparts of this Loan Agreement as previously executed and attested by the parties hereto;
(iii) copies of those resolutions finally adopted by the board of directors of the Borrower and requested by the State, including, without limitation, (A) the resolution of the Borrower authorizing the execution, attestation and delivery of this Loan Agreement, (B) the Borrower Bond Resolution, as amended and supplemented as of the date of the Loan Closing, authorizing the execution, attestation, authentication, sale and delivery of the Borrower Bond to the State, (C) the resolution of the Borrower confirming the details of the sale of the Borrower Bond to the State, each of said resolutions of the Borrower being certified by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower as of the date of the Loan
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Closing, (D) the resolution of the BPU approving the issuance by the Borrower of the Borrower Bond to the State and setting forth any other approvals required therefor by the BPU, if applicable, and (E) any other Proceedings; and
(iv) the certificates of insurance coverage as required pursuant to the terms of Section 3.06(c) hereof and such other certificates, documents, opinions and information as the State may require in Exhibit F hereto, if any.
(m) Execution and Delivery of Borrower Bond. Concurrently with the delivery of this Loan Agreement at the Loan Closing, the Borrower shall also deliver to the State the Borrower Bond, as previously executed, attested and, if applicable, authenticated.
(n) Notice of Material Adverse Change. The Borrower shall promptly notify the State of any material adverse change in the properties, activities, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or its Environmental Infrastructure System, or in the ability of the Borrower to make all Loan Repayments and otherwise to observe and perform its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
(o) Continuing Representations. The representations of the Borrower contained herein shall be true at the time of the execution of this Loan Agreement and at all times during the term of this Loan Agreement.
(p) Additional Covenants and Requirements. (i) No later than the Loan Closing and, if necessary, in connection with the making of the Loan, additional covenants and requirements have been included in Exhibit F hereto and made a part hereof. Such covenants and requirements may include, but need not be limited to, the maintenance of specified levels of Environmental Infrastructure System rates, the issuance of additional debt of the Borrower, and the transfer of revenues and receipts from the Borrower’s Environmental Infrastructure System. The Borrower agrees to observe and comply with each such additional covenant and requirement, if any, included in Exhibit F hereto. (ii) Additional defined terms, covenants, representations and requirements have been included in Schedule A attached hereto and made a part hereof. Such additional defined terms, covenants, representations and requirements are incorporated in this Loan Agreement by reference thereto as if set forth in full herein and the Borrower hereby agrees to observe and comply with each such additional term, covenant, representation and requirement included in Schedule A as if the same were set forth in its entirety where reference thereto is made in this Loan Agreement.
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ARTICLE
III
LOAN TO BORROWER; AMOUNTS PAYABLE; GENERAL AGREEMENTS
SECTION 3.01. Loan; Loan Term.
(a) The State hereby agrees (i) to make the Loan as described in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof, to the Borrower, and (ii) to disburse the proceeds of the Loan to the Borrower in accordance with Section 3.02 hereof. The Borrower hereby agrees to borrow and accept the Loan from the State upon the terms set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof. The Borrower agrees that the aggregate principal amount set forth in Exhibit A-2 hereto shall constitute the initial principal amount of the Loan (as the same may be adjusted downward in accordance with the definition thereof), and the State shall have no obligation thereafter to loan any additional amounts to the Borrower.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section 3.01 to the contrary, the State shall be under no obligation (i) to make the Loan to the Borrower if (1) at the Loan Closing, the Borrower does not deliver to the State the Borrower Bond and such other documents as are required pursuant to Section 2.02(l) hereof, or (2) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing pursuant to this Loan Agreement, or (ii) to disburse the proceeds of the Loan to the Borrower in accordance with Section 3.02 hereof, unless each of the conditions precedent to such disbursement, as set forth in Section 3.02 hereof, have been satisfied in full.
(c) The Borrower shall have no legal or equitable interest in the Federal Funds received by and available to the State or in moneys from repayments of loans previously made from Federal Fund by the State.
(d) The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Loan strictly in compliance with the provisions of Section 2.01(h) hereof.
(e) The payment obligations of the Borrower created pursuant to the terms of this Loan Agreement are secured by the Borrower Bond. The obligations of the Borrower to pay the principal of and other amounts due under the Borrower Bond are each direct, general, irrevocable and unconditional obligations of the Borrower payable from any source legally available to the Borrower in accordance with the terms of and to the extent provided in the Borrower Bond Resolution.
SECTION 3.02. Disbursement of Loan Proceeds.
(a) The State shall disburse Federal Funds to the Borrower (i) upon receipt of a requisition executed by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower in a form satisfying the requirements of the Regulations, and (ii) subject to the schedule limitations set forth in subsection (c) of this Section 3.02.
(b) The State shall not be under any obligation to disburse any Loan proceeds to the Borrower pursuant to this Loan Agreement, unless:
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(i) the Loan Closing shall have occurred on the date established therefor by the State;
(ii) there shall be Federal Funds for disbursement, as determined by the State in its sole and absolute discretion;
(iii) in accordance with the “New Jersey Infrastructure Trust Act”, P.L. 1985, c. 334, as amended (N.J.S.A. 58:11B-1 et seq.), and the Regulations, the Borrower shall have timely applied for, shall have been awarded and, prior to or simultaneously with the Loan Closing, shall have closed an I-Bank Loan for a portion of the Allowable Costs (as defined in such Regulations) of the Project, plus the amount of: (A) capitalized interest during the Project construction period, if any, (B) certain issuance expenses related thereto, and (C) if applicable, an amount sufficient to pay the interest that accrued on any short-term loan by the I-Bank to the Borrower;
(iv) the Borrower shall have on hand moneys to pay for (A) that portion of the total Costs of the Project that is not eligible to be funded from the Loan or the I-Bank Loan or any outstanding Construction Financing Program Loan, and/or (B) that portion of the total Costs of the Project that exceeds the actual amounts of the loan commitments made by the State and the I-Bank, respectively, for the Loan and the I-Bank Loan and any outstanding Construction Financing Program Loan; and
(v) no Event of Default nor any event that, with the passage of time or service of notice or both, would constitute an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing hereunder.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision of this Loan Agreement to the contrary, the State shall not disburse Loan proceeds to the Borrower from the State Fund pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.02 at any time on or after the State Fund Disbursement Deadline, and, as of such date, any Loan proceeds that remain on deposit in the State Fund shall no longer be available to the Borrower via the disbursement procedures of this Section 3.02, but shall be allocated only as provided in Section 3.03A hereof.
(d) In connection with the disbursement of Loan proceeds to the Borrower from the State Fund pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.02, the Borrower shall comply with each of its covenant obligations pursuant to this Loan Agreement relating to such disbursement of Loan proceeds to the Borrower, as well as the use of such Loan proceeds by the Borrower, including without limitation, the provisions of Section 2.02(h)(ii) hereof.
SECTION 3.03. Amounts Payable.
(a) The Borrower shall repay the Loan at zero-interest in principal installments payable to the Trustee semiannually on the Principal Payment Dates, in accordance with the schedule set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and made a part hereof, as the same may be amended or modified by the State, in particular, without limitation, to make any adjustments to the amount of the Loan in accordance with the definition thereof; provided, however, that the amount of any reduction in the principal amount of the Loan pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:22-3.26 shall be credited to the principal payments set forth in Exhibit A-2 in inverse order of their maturity.
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The obligations of the Borrower under the Borrower Bond shall be deemed to be amounts payable under this Section 3.03. Each payment made to the Trustee pursuant to the Borrower Bond shall be deemed to be a credit against the corresponding obligation of the Borrower under this Section 3.03, and any such payment made to the Trustee shall fulfill the Borrower’s obligation to pay such amount hereunder and under the Borrower Bond. Each payment made to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 3.03 shall be applied to the principal of the Loan.
(b) In addition to the principal payments on the Loan required by subsection (a) of this Section 3.03, the Borrower shall pay a late charge that is applicable to any such payment that is received by the Trustee on any date subsequent to its due date, which late charge shall be payable concurrently with the payment of such Loan principal payment in an amount calculated as follows: Such late charge shall equal the greater of twelve percent (12%) per annum or the Prime Rate plus one-half of one percent (0.50%) per annum with respect to the remaining outstanding principal amount of the Loan from the applicable due date with respect to such Loan repayment to the date it is actually paid; provided, however, that such late charge payable on the Loan, as calculated pursuant to the terms hereof, shall not be in excess of the maximum interest rate permitted by law.
(c) In addition to the Loan Repayments payable under subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 3.03, the Borrower shall pay one-half of the Administrative Fee, if any, to the Trustee semiannually on each February 1 and August 1, commencing August 1, 2022.
(d) Each payment made by the Borrower pursuant to, and in satisfaction of, the requirements of this Section 3.03 shall be made by the Borrower to the Trustee via an electronic transfer of immediately available funds; provided, however, that upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Borrower, the State may, in its sole discretion, prescribe an alternative method by which payments pursuant to, and in satisfaction of, this Section 3.03 shall be made by the Borrower to the Trustee. Such method as prescribed by the State may include, without limitation, the automatic debit by the State or the Trustee of the respective amounts of such payments, as required by this Section 3.03, from an account that shall be identified by the Borrower in writing and recorded on file with the State.
SECTION 3.03A. Unexpended Project Funds. If, on the State Fund Disbursement Deadline, any amounts remain on deposit in the State Fund that are allocable to the Borrower for its Project (“Unexpended Project Funds”), such Unexpended Project Funds on deposit in the State Fund shall thereafter be applied, as follows: the Unexpended Project Funds shall be applied by the State as a prepayment of the Borrower’s Loan Repayments, and shall be applied to the principal payments on the Loan in inverse order of their maturity.
SECTION 3.04. Unconditional Obligations. The obligation of the Borrower to make the Loan Repayments and all other payments required hereunder and the obligation to perform and observe the other duties, covenants, obligations and agreements on its part contained herein shall be absolute and unconditional, and shall not be abated, rebated, set-off, reduced, abrogated, terminated, waived, diminished, postponed or otherwise modified in any manner or to any extent whatsoever while any Loan Repayments remain unpaid, for any reason, regardless of any contingency, act of God, event or cause whatsoever, including (without limitation) any acts or circumstances that may constitute failure of consideration, eviction or
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constructive eviction, the taking by eminent domain or destruction of or damage to the Project or Environmental Infrastructure System, commercial frustration of the purpose, any change in the laws of the United States of America or of the State or any political subdivision of either or in the rules or regulations of any governmental authority, any failure of the State to perform and observe any agreement, whether express or implied, or any duty, liability or obligation arising out of or connected with the Project or this Loan Agreement, or any rights of set-off, recoupment, abatement or counterclaim that the Borrower might otherwise have against the State, the Trustee or any other party or parties; provided, however, that payments hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any such rights. The Borrower shall not be obligated to make any payments required to be made by any other Borrowers under separate Loan Agreements.
SECTION 3.05. Loan Agreement to Survive Loan. The Borrower acknowledges that its duties, covenants, obligations and agreements set forth in Sections 3.06(a) and (b) hereof shall survive the payment in full of the Loan.
SECTION 3.06. Disclaimer of Warranties and Indemnification.
(a) The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the State does not make any warranty or representation, either express or implied, as to the value, design, condition, merchantability or fitness for particular purpose or fitness for any use of the Environmental Infrastructure System or the Project or any portions thereof or any other warranty or representation with respect thereto; (ii) in no event shall the State or its agents be liable or responsible for any incidental, indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of this Loan Agreement or the Project or the existence, furnishing, functioning or use of the Environmental Infrastructure System or the Project or any item or products or services provided for in this Loan Agreement; and (iii) to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower shall indemnify and hold the State harmless against, and the Borrower shall pay any and all, liability, loss, cost, damage, claim, judgment or expense of any and all kinds or nature and however arising and imposed by law, which the State may sustain, be subject to or be caused to incur by reason of any claim, suit or action based upon personal injury, death or damage to property, whether real, personal or mixed, or upon or arising out of contracts entered into by the Borrower, the Borrower’s ownership of the Environmental Infrastructure System or the Project, or the acquisition, construction or installation of the Project.
(b) It is mutually agreed by the Borrower and the State that the State and its commissioners, officers, agents, servants and employees shall not be liable for, and shall be indemnified and saved harmless by the Borrower in any event from, any action performed under this Loan Agreement and any claim or suit of whatsoever nature, except in the event of loss or damage resulting from their own negligence or willful misconduct.
(c) In connection with its obligation to provide the insurance required under Section 2.02(j) hereof: (i) the Borrower shall include, or cause to be included, the State and its employees and officers as additional “named insureds” on (A) any certificate of liability insurance procured by the Borrower (or other similar document evidencing the liability insurance coverage procured by the Borrower) and (B) any certificate of liability insurance procured by any contractor or subcontractor for the Project, and from the later of the date of the Loan Closing or the date of the initiation of construction of the Project until the date the Borrower receives the
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written certificate of Project completion from the State, the Borrower shall maintain said liability insurance covering the State and said employees and officers in good standing; and (ii) the Borrower shall include the State as an additional “named insured” on any certificate of insurance providing against risk of direct physical loss, damage or destruction of the Environmental Infrastructure System, and during the Loan Term the Borrower shall maintain said insurance covering the State in good standing.
The Borrower shall provide the State with a copy of each of any such original, supplemental, amendatory or reissued certificates of insurance (or other similar documents evidencing the insurance coverage) required pursuant to this Section 3.06(c).
SECTION 3.07. Option to Prepay Loan Repayments. The Borrower may prepay the Loan Repayments, in whole or in part, upon not less than ninety (90) days’ prior written notice to the State; provided, however, that, with respect to any prepayment other than those required by Section 3.03A hereof, any such full or partial prepayment may only be made (i) if the Borrower is not then in arrears on its I-Bank Loan, (ii) if the Borrower is contemporaneously making a full or partial prepayment of the I-Bank Loan such that, after the prepayment of the Loan and the I-Bank Loan, the I-Bank gives its consent required under Section 3.07(iii) of the I-Bank Loan Agreement, (iii) upon the prior written approval of the State; and (iv) provided that the Borrower shall agree to pay all costs and expenses of the State in connection with such prepayment. Prepayments shall be applied to the principal payments on the portion of the Loan to be prepaid in inverse order of their maturity.
SECTION 3.08. Priority of Loan and I-Bank Loan.
(a) The Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that, to the extent permitted by law, any repayments then due and payable on the I-Bank Loan pursuant to the I-Bank Loan Agreement and paid by the Borrower and any repayments then due and payable on this Loan pursuant to this Loan Agreement and paid by the Borrower shall be applied by the Trustee, first, to the payment obligations of the Borrower with respect to the I-Bank Loan and, second, to the payment obligations of the Borrower with respect to this Loan, all in a manner more specifically identified in subjection (b) hereof. The Borrower agrees not to interfere with any such action by the Trustee with respect to the application of repayments as set forth herein.
(b) The Borrower hereby further acknowledges and agrees that, in the event the Borrower fails or is unable to pay promptly to the Trustee in full any loan repayments on the I-Bank Loan pursuant to the I-Bank Loan Agreement, then any Loan Repayments paid by the Borrower on the Loan pursuant to this Loan Agreement and received by the Trustee during the time of any such loan repayment deficiency pursuant to the I-Bank Loan Agreement shall be applied by the Trustee, first, to satisfy such I-Bank Loan Agreement loan repayment deficiency as a credit against the obligations of the Borrower to make loan repayments of that portion of interest pursuant to the I-Bank Loan Agreement that is allocable to the interest payable on the I-Bank Bonds (as defined in the I-Bank Loan Agreement) and to make payments of that portion of interest pursuant to the bond or note issued by the Borrower to the I-Bank that is allocable to the interest payable on the I-Bank Bonds, second, to the extent available, to make loan repayments of principal pursuant to the I-Bank Loan Agreement and payments of principal on the bond or note issued by the Borrower to the I-Bank pursuant to the I-Bank Loan Agreement, third, to the
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extent available, to the payment of the administrative fee payable pursuant to the I-Bank Loan Agreement and to make payments of that portion of interest pursuant to the bond or note issued by the Borrower to the I-Bank that is allocable to the administrative fee payable pursuant to the I-Bank Loan Agreement, fourth, to the extent available, to the payment of late charges payable pursuant to the I-Bank Loan Agreement and to make payments of that portion of interest pursuant to the bond issued by the Borrower to the I-Bank that is allocable to the late charges payable pursuant to the I-Bank Loan Agreement, and finally, to the extent available, to make Loan Repayments on the Loan.
(c) The Borrower hereby further acknowledges and agrees that any Loan Repayments paid by the Borrower on the Loan pursuant to this Loan Agreement shall be applied according to the provisions of the Master Program Trust Agreement.
SECTION 3.09. Approval of the New Jersey State Treasurer. The Borrower and the State hereby acknowledge that prior to or simultaneously with the Loan Closing the New Jersey State Treasurer, in satisfaction of the requirements of Section 9a of the Act, issued the “Certificate of the New Jersey State Treasurer Regarding the Approval of the I-Bank Loan and the Fund Loan” (the “Treasurer’s Certificate”). Pursuant to the terms of the Treasurer’s Certificate, the New Jersey State Treasurer approved the Loan and the terms and conditions thereof as established by the provisions of this Loan Agreement.
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ARTICLE
IV
ASSIGNMENT OF LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER BOND
SECTION 4.01. Assignment and Transfer by State. The Borrower hereby approves and consents to any assignment or transfer of this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond that the State deems to be necessary in connection with the environmental infrastructure loan program of the State pursuant to the Regulations.
SECTION 4.02. Assignment by Borrower. Neither this Loan Agreement nor the Borrower Bond may be assigned by the Borrower for any reason, unless the following conditions shall be satisfied: (i) the State shall have approved said assignment in writing; (ii) the assignee shall have expressly assumed in writing the full and faithful observance and performance of the Borrower’s duties, covenants, obligations and agreements under this Loan Agreement and, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the Borrower Bond; and (iii) immediately after such assignment, the assignee shall not be in default in the observance or performance of any duties, covenants, obligations or agreements of the Borrower under this Loan Agreement or the Borrower Bond.
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ARTICLE
V
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
SECTION 5.01. Events of Default. If any of the following events occur, it is hereby defined as and declared to be and to constitute an “Event of Default”:
(a) failure by the Borrower to pay, or cause to be paid, any Loan Repayment required to be paid hereunder when due;
(b) failure by the Borrower to make, or cause to be made, any required payments of principal, redemption premium, if any, and interest on any bonds, notes or other obligations of the Borrower issued under the Borrower Bond Resolution (other than the Loan and the Borrower Bond) or otherwise secured by all or a portion of the property pledged under the Borrower Bond Resolution, after giving effect to the applicable grace period;
(c) failure by the Borrower to pay, or cause to be paid, any late charges incurred hereunder or any portion thereof when due or to observe and perform any duty, covenant, obligation or agreement on its part to be observed or performed under this Loan Agreement, other than as referred to in subsections (a) and (g) of this Section 5.01, which failure shall continue for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice, specifying such failure and requesting that it be remedied, is given to the Borrower by the State, unless the State shall agree in writing to an extension of such time prior to its expiration; provided, however, that if the failure stated in such notice is correctable but cannot be corrected within the applicable period, the State may not unreasonably withhold its consent to an extension of such time up to 120 days from the delivery of the written notice referred to above if corrective action is instituted by the Borrower within the applicable period and diligently pursued until the failure is corrected;
(d) any representation made by or on behalf of the Borrower contained in this Loan Agreement, or in any instrument furnished in compliance with or with reference to this Loan Agreement or the Loan, is false or misleading in any material respect;
(e) a petition is filed by or against the Borrower under any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law in effect on the date of this Loan Agreement or thereafter enacted, and/or any proceeding with respect to such petition and/or pursuant to any such law shall occur or be pending (including, without limitation, the operation and administration of the Borrower pursuant to any plan of reorganization approved and implemented under any such law), unless in the case of any such petition filed against the Borrower or any such proceeding, such petition and such proceeding shall be dismissed within thirty (30) days after such filing and such dismissal shall be final and not subject to appeal or the further jurisdiction of any court; or the Borrower shall become insolvent or bankrupt or shall make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or a custodian (including, without limitation, a receiver, liquidator or trustee of the Borrower or any of its property) shall be appointed by court order or take possession of the Borrower or its property or assets if such order remains in effect or such possession continues for more than thirty (30) days;
(f) the Borrower shall generally fail to pay its debts as such debts become due;
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(g) failure of the Borrower to observe or perform such additional duties, covenants, obligations, agreements or conditions as are required by the State and specified in each of Exhibit F and Exhibit G attached hereto and made a part hereof; and
(h) the occurrence of an “Event of Default” pursuant to, and as defined in, (i) the I-Bank Loan Agreement or (ii) any Construction Financing Program Loan that may be outstanding.
SECTION 5.02. Notice of Default. The Borrower shall give the State prompt telephonic notice, confirmed immediately thereafter with a written notice, of the occurrence of any Event of Default referred to in Section 5.01(e) or (f) hereof and of the occurrence of any other event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default at such time as any senior administrative or financial officer of the Borrower becomes aware of the existence thereof.
SECTION 5.03. Remedies on Default. Whenever an Event of Default referred to in Section 5.01 hereof shall have occurred and be continuing, the State shall have the right to take whatever action at law or in equity may appear necessary or desirable to collect the amounts then due and thereafter to become due hereunder or to enforce the observance and performance of any duty, covenant, obligation or agreement of the Borrower hereunder.
In addition, if an Event of Default referred to in Section 5.01(a) hereof shall have occurred and be continuing, the State shall, to the extent allowed by applicable law, have the right to declare all Loan Repayments and all other amounts due hereunder (including, without limitation, payments under the Borrower Bond) to be immediately due and payable, and upon notice to the Borrower the same shall become due and payable without further notice or demand.
SECTION 5.04. Attorneys’ Fees and Other Expenses. The Borrower shall on demand pay to the State the reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys and other reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, the reasonably allocated costs of in-house counsel and legal staff) incurred by the State in the collection of Loan Repayments or any other sum due hereunder or in the enforcement of the observation or performance of any other duties, covenants, obligations or agreements of the Borrower upon an Event of Default.
SECTION 5.05. Application of Moneys. Any moneys collected by the State pursuant to Section 5.03 hereof shall be applied (a) first to pay any attorneys’ fees or other fees and expenses owed by the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.04 hereof, (b) second, to the extent available, to pay principal due and payable on the Loan (to the extent permitted by Section 3.08(b) hereof), (c) third, to the extent available, to pay any other amounts due and payable hereunder, and (d) fourth, to the extent available, to pay principal on the Loan and other amounts payable hereunder as such amounts become due and payable.
SECTION 5.06. No Remedy Exclusive; Waiver; Notice. No remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the State is intended to be exclusive, and every such remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given under this Loan Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity. No delay or omission to exercise any right, remedy or power accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right, remedy or power or shall be construed to be a waiver thereof, but any such right, remedy or power may be
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exercised from time to time and as often as may be deemed expedient. In order to entitle the State to exercise any remedy reserved to it in this Article V, it shall not be necessary to give any notice other than such notice as may be required in this Article V.
SECTION 5.07. Retention of State’s Rights. Notwithstanding any assignment or transfer of this Loan Agreement pursuant to the provisions hereof, or anything else to the contrary contained herein, the State shall have the right upon the occurrence of an Event of Default to take any action, including (without limitation) bringing an action against the Borrower at law or in equity, as the State may, in its discretion, deem necessary to enforce the obligations of the Borrower to the State pursuant to Section 5.03 hereof.
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ARTICLE
VI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 6.01. Notices. All notices, certificates or other communications hereunder shall be sufficiently given and shall be deemed given when hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, (i) to the Borrower at the address specified in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and made a part hereof and (ii) to the State and the Trustee at the following respective addresses:
(a) State:
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Municipal Finance and Construction Element
401 East State Street – 3rd Floor
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0425
Attention: Assistant Director
New Jersey Department of the Treasury
Office of Public Finance
State Street Square – 5th Floor
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0002
Attention: Director
(b) Trustee:
Zions Bancorporation, National Association d/b/a Zions Bank
401 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1729
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
Attention: Corporate Trust Department
Any of the foregoing parties may designate any further or different addresses to which subsequent notices, certificates or other communications shall be sent by notice in writing given to the others.
SECTION 6.02. Binding Effect. This Loan Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the State and the Borrower and their respective successors and assigns.
SECTION 6.03. Severability. In the event any provision of this Loan Agreement shall be held illegal, invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate, render unenforceable or otherwise affect any other provision hereof.
SECTION 6.04. Amendments, Supplements and Modifications. This Loan Agreement may not be amended, supplemented or modified without the prior written consent of the State and the Borrower.
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SECTION 6.05. Execution in Counterparts. This Loan Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
SECTION 6.06. Applicable Law and Regulations. This Loan Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, including the Regulations, which Regulations are, by this reference thereto, incorporated herein as part of this Loan Agreement.
SECTION 6.07. Consents and Approvals. Whenever the written consent or approval of the State shall be required under the provisions of this Loan Agreement, such consent or approval may only be given by the State. Further, whenever the written consent or approval of the State shall be required pursuant to the provisions of this Loan Agreement, such approval or consent of the State pursuant to the provisions hereof may be either granted or withheld by the State in its sole and absolute discretion.
SECTION 6.08. Captions. The captions or headings in this Loan Agreement are for convenience only and shall not in any way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of any provisions or sections of this Loan Agreement.
SECTION 6.09. Further Assurances. The Borrower shall, at the request of the State, authorize, execute, attest, acknowledge and deliver such further resolutions, conveyances, transfers, assurances, financing statements and other instruments as may be necessary or desirable for better assuring, conveying, granting, assigning and confirming the rights, security interests and agreements granted or intended to be granted by this Loan Agreement and the Borrower Bond.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the State and the Borrower have caused this Loan Agreement to be executed, sealed and delivered as of the date first above written.
THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
| |||
[SEAL] | By: | /s/ Patricia Gardner | |
Patricia Gardner Assistant Commissioner Water Resource Management Department of Environmental Protection | |||
ATTEST:
|
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/s/ Paul T. Hauch, P.E. | |||
Paul T. Hauch, P.E. Bureau Chief Bureau of Construction, Payments and Administration Municipal Finance and Construction Element Department of Environmental Protection |
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MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY | |||
[SEAL] |
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By: | /s/ A. Bruce O’Conner | ||
ATTEST: | Senior Vice President, Treasurer | ||
|
and Chief Financial Officer | ||
/s/ Jay L. Kooper | |||
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
|
[signature page]
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Exhibit 31.1
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14
AND 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
I, Dennis W. Doll, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Middlesex Water Company; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have; |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
/s/ Dennis W. Doll | |
Dennis W. Doll | |
Chief Executive Officer |
Date: July 29, 2022
Exhibit 31.2
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14
AND 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
I, A. Bruce O’Connor, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Middlesex Water Company; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have; |
a. | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b. | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d. | Disclosed in this report any changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): |
a. | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
/s/ A. Bruce O’Connor | |
A. Bruce O’Connor | |
Chief Financial Officer |
Date: July 29, 2022
Exhibit 32.1
SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. §1350
I, Dennis W. Doll, hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the periodic report being filed herewith containing financial statements fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)) and that information contained in said periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Middlesex Water Company for the period covered by said periodic report.
/s/ Dennis W. Doll | |
Dennis W. Doll | |
Chief Executive Officer |
Date: July 29, 2022
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Middlesex Water Company and will be retained by Middlesex Water Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
Exhibit 32.2
SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. §1350
I, A. Bruce O’Connor, hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the periodic report being filed herewith containing financial statements fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)) and that information contained in said periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Middlesex Water Company for the period covered by said periodic report.
/s/ A. Bruce O’Connor | |
A. Bruce O’Connor | |
Chief Financial Officer |
Date: July 29, 2022
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Middlesex Water Company and will be retained by Middlesex Water Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.