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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Norman Utilities Authority (Authority) received approval for $2,000,000 in funding on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water and wastewater infrastructure.  Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water and wastewater systems will be financed by the OWRB American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program.  

The Authority, which operates the city’s water and wastewater systems, will utilize the funding to support construction of a new line maintenance facility. Previously, line maintenance staff worked out of outdated facilities that limited efficiency and delayed response times to community needs. The new facility is specifically designed to provide staff with the space, equipment, and strategic location required to respond more quickly and effectively to water and wastewater line issues across Norman. The total cost of the project was $8,300,119.63 which was funded by local funds and will now receive $2,000,000.00 in reimbursement from OWRB ARPA funds. 

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $3,314,400.00 compared to traditional financing.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Clarita-Olney Rural Water District, Coal County (District) received approval for a $350,000 loan with 100% principal forgiveness on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the District’s water infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water system will be financed by the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). 

The District operates a water system that serves the community in Coal County. Currently, the system relies on outdated manual-read meters and lacks the technology to quickly detect issues such as pipe or pump failures, which can result in significant water loss and low tank levels. This project will replace antiquated meters and upgrade the system with modern monitoring technology, including automated controls and remote telemetry, to track pump operations and standpipe water levels in real time. These improvements will strengthen system efficiency, reduce water loss, and ensure the District can continue providing adequate pressure and dependable service to its residents. 

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the District’s customers will save an estimated $524,700 compared to traditional financing.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Walters Public Works Authority (Authority) in Cotton County received approval for a $33,382 Emergency Grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure. 

The Authority operates a public wastewater treatment facility that serves the community. Recent severe weather caused critical equipment failures, including the loss of a floating mixer aerator due to a lightning strike and the breakdown of a major pump following record rainfall. To restore reliable operations, the Authority will replace damaged equipment with a new 30-horsepower pump, a 10-horsepower pump, and a floating aerator, along with supporting components. These improvements will ensure the facility continues to operate effectively, protecting public health and the environment. The estimated cost of the project is $39,770.34 which will be funded by the OWRB Emergency grant in the amount of  $33,804.00 and $5,966.34 from local funds. 

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $80,800 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.