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The Welch Public Works Authority Receives $64,900 Emergency Grant for Infrastructure Repair from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Welch Public Works Authority (Authority) in Craig County received approval for a $64,900 Emergency Grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure.

The Welch Public Works Authority, which operates a public water supply system serving the community, is addressing critical infrastructure needs following recent weather events. After receiving nine inches of rain in early November, the Authority identified a leak in the north wall of its clearwell, likely caused by a foundation shift exacerbated by flooding after extreme drought conditions. To ensure continued reliable water service, the Authority plans to construct a new 30,000-gallon clearwell, along with all necessary 
appurtenances. The $194,000 project is funded through a $64,900 OWRB Emergency Grant, $100,000 in RIG Grant Funds, and $29,100 in local contributions. This investment will enhance the resilience and functionality of the town’s water system. 

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the OWRB Emergency Grant will save the Authority’s customers $124,300 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

The Wayne Public Works Authority Receives $99,999 REAP Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Wayne Public Works Authority (Authority) in McClain County received approval for a $99,999 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s Water infrastructure.

The Wayne Public Works Authority owns and operates a water treatment plant, with distribution storage consisting of two standpipes and an elevated storage tank. Currently, the elevated tank is out of service, and both the West and East standpipes require repairs. To address these challenges, the Authority is proposing a project to repair, rehabilitate, and repaint the West tower, along with necessary appurtenances. The total cost of the project is $449,999, with funding provided by an OWRB REAP grant of $99,999 and $350,000 from McClain County ARPA funds. This project will enhance the reliability of the water system and ensure compliance with state regulations. 

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the OWRB REAP grant will save the Authority’s customers $169,700 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

Town of Tatums Receives $80,000 REAP Grant for Wastewater System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Town of Tatums (Town) in Carter County received approval for an $80,000 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Town’s Wastewater infrastructure. 

The Town operates a public wastewater collection system that has seen limited maintenance since its construction in 1982, with the exception of lift station upgrades in 2021. Recently, the Town has faced challenges to maintain flow measurement devices in proper working order. To address this and improve system monitoring, the Town proposes to install a flow meter with vault and SCADA system, along with all necessary appurtenances. The total cost of the project is $80,000, which will be fully funded by an OWRB REAP grant. This upgrade will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and enhance the reliability of the wastewater system.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $139,900 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.