Bond Programs
Lori Johnson, Chief, Financial Assistance Division
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Learn about Oklahoma Water Resources Board including our News & Press Releases, Projects, and Team.
Have questions? Reach out to us directly.
Learn about Oklahoma Water Resources Board including our News & Press Releases, Projects, and Team.
The OWRB's mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for Oklahomans by managing and improving the state’s water resources to ensure clean and reliable water supplies, a strong economy, and a safe and healthy environment.
Our primary duties and responsibilities include water use appropriation and permitting, water quality monitoring and standards, financial assistance for water/wastewater systems, dam safety, floodplain management, water supply planning, technical studies and research, and water resource mapping.
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Wellston Public Works Authority (Authority) in Lincoln County received approval for a $79,427 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure.
The Wellston Public Works Authority is making essential upgrades to its sanitary sewer system to reduce inflow and infiltration, which have been causing frequent failures and increased hydraulic loading on the lagoon system. This project includes replacing two aging manholes, installing approximately 347 linear feet of 8-inch sewer pipe and 175 linear feet of 4-inch sewer pipe, and completing necessary improvements to strengthen
the system. By modernizing deteriorating infrastructure, these upgrades will enhance wastewater management, improve system reliability, and help protect local water resources for the community. The estimated cost of the project is $79,426.59 which will be funded by the OWRB REAP Grant of $79,426.59.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $151,100 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Town of Hydro (Town) in Caddo County received approval for a $150,000 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Town’s water infrastructure.
The Town of Hydro is making critical upgrades to its water system by addressing undersized infrastructure to improve service reliability and efficiency. This project will replace approximately 1,490 linear feet of outdated 4-inch water main with a 6-inch water main, enhancing water flow, pressure, and overall system performance. By modernizing these essential components, the improvements will support future growth, reduce the risk of service disruptions, and ensure a more dependable water supply for residents and businesses. The estimated cost of the project is $263,120.00 which will be funded by the OWRB REAP Grant of $150,000.00 and local funds of $113,120.00.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $244,000 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.
OKLAHOMA CITY –The Sapulpa Municipal Authority (Authority) received approval for $10,790,000 in funding Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water and wastewater infrastructures. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the systems will be financed with funds from both the OWRB American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program and the OWRB Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan program.
The Sapulpa Municipal Authority is taking proactive steps to support the city's growing west side by evaluating and enhancing its wastewater infrastructure. This project includes a comprehensive sanitary sewer analysis to assess system capacity, identify lift station requirements, and address potential deficiencies. Key improvements involve constructing approximately 4,100 linear feet of 12-inch sewer line, along with necessary
lift stations, manholes, and related components to ensure efficient wastewater management. Funded in part by a $1.79 million ARPA grant and a $9,000,000 FAP loan that supports multiple infrastructure initiatives, this investment will enhance service reliability, accommodate future development, and protect public health.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $2,851,100.00 compared to traditional financing. The FAP loan will be secured by a subordinate lien on the Authority’s water, sewer, sanitation, and stormwater revenues, a 1.3 cents sales tax,and may include a mortgage on the water and sewer systems.
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board's (OWRB) Financial Assistance Division assists communities in their efforts to protect and conserve Oklahoma's water resources for current and future generations through cost-effective financial products, technical assistance, and high quality customer service. To find more information, please visit here.
Loan Programs:
The CWSRF loan program is funded by EPA capitalization grants, state matching funds, and bonds. The CWSRF is administered by the OWRB. The interest rate is approximately 60% of AAA market rate with 40% savings through federal subsidy.
The DWSRF loan program is funded by EPA capitalization grants, state matching funds, loan repayments, investment earnings, and bonds. The DWSRF is co-administered by the OWRB and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ). The interest rate is approximately 70% of AAA market rate with 30% savings through federal subsidy.
The OWRB's state loan revenue bond program offers long term, variable interest rate funding with a fixed rate conversion option. This low interest rate is based on the OWRB's AAA credit rating.
Grant Programs:
The Emergency Grant Program is a point-based program designed to assist communities facing crises which threaten life, health, or property.
The REAP Grant Program is a point-based program designed to assist smaller communities that lack sufficient fiscal capacity. Cities, towns, and municipalities with a population less than 1,750 are given priority. Rural water and/or sewer districts with less than 525 non-pasture customers are also given priority.
Have questions? Reach out to us directly.