Press Release

The Poteau Valley Improvement Authority receives $2,000,000 grant for system improvements

OKLAHOMA CITY –The Poteau Valley Improvement 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 $1,247,000 in LeFlore County American Rescue Plan Act funds, and $2,746,000 from local funds.

The Authority will use these proceeds to construct new backwash stations, a 0.350 MGD clearwell with modified and relocated distribution pumps and Cl2 chemical feed, and a new belt press with sludge feed pumps and polymer feed system. 

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $3,276,700 compared to traditional financing.