Press Release

The Miami Special Utility Authority receives $2,000,000 grant for system improvements

OKLAHOMA CITY –The Miami Special Utility Authority (Authority) received approval for $2,000,000 in funding 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 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program along with $2,000,000 in local funds. 

The Authority’s drinking water system includes approximately 130 miles of cast iron and PVC waterlines, nine (9) active wells, four (4) elevated towers, and two (2) ground storage tanks. These proceeds will be used to construct a new 300,0000-gallon elevated water storage tank, make improvements to the disinfection system, and add a water line extension to loop two dead ends within the system. This project will improve water pressure for customers of the Authority and improve disinfection residuals.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $3,027,900 compared to traditional financing.