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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust (Authority) received approval for $2,500,000 in funding with $1,250,000 in principal forgiveness Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’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 Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust will use the funding to advance its lead service inventory verification program. Through hydro excavation and potholing on both public and private sides of the meter, the project aims to investigate and verify 5,000 remaining unknown service lines in the distribution system. This initiative will enhance water quality and public health for residents and businesses.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $2,022,000 compared to traditional financing. The DWSRF loan will be secured with a lien on their water, sewer, and sanitation revenues.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Pawhuska Public Works Authority (Authority) in Osage County received approval for a $55,000 Emergency Grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s Water infrastructure.

The Pawhuska Public Works Authority is moving forward with essential repairs to its water treatment and distribution system following damage caused by heavy rainfall in late April and early May, which exposed and damaged a water line under Clear Creek. The project includes replacing the damaged line, encapsulating it in concrete to prevent future incidents, and completing all necessary appurtenances. The total project cost of $68,750.00 will be funded through a $55,000.00 OWRB Emergency Grant and 
$13,750.00 in local funds. These improvements will ensure the reliability and resilience of the city’s water infrastructure.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $103,100 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Harper County Rural Water District No. 1, Harper County, Oklahoma (District) received approval for a $88,246 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the District’s water infrastructure.

Harper County Rural Water District No. 1 in Harper County, Oklahoma, is advancing critical upgrades to its water system facilities, which include five wells, two booster stations, two standpipes, and 240 miles of waterlines. The planned improvements address corrosion issues caused by in-house chlorine storage, the absence of security fencing around booster stations, and the need for sanitary facilities for employees, as well as poor access road conditions. The project will relocate chlorine to a separate apparatus, install security fencing around wells and booster stations, construct sanitary facilities, and improve access roads with six inches of gravel. The estimated cost of $88,245.72 will be fully funded by an OWRB REAP grant.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $166,900 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds