Press Release

The Owasso Public Works Authority receives $1,041,000 grant for system improvements

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Owasso Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for $1,041,000 in funding Thursday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure.  Construction of upgrades and improvements to the wastewater system will be financed by the Oklahoma American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program along with $1,041,000 in local funds.

The Authority owns and operates a sanitary sewer system. The Elm Creek interceptor, which is a critical asset to the system, is deteriorating due to corrosion and hydrogen sulfide. The Authority will use these proceeds to rehabilitate approximately 5,000 linear feet (lf) of sanitary sewer pipe and 25 manholes. These improvements will address inflow and infiltration into the sewer collection system thereby reducing unintended flows to the wastewater treatment facility and prevent unpermitted discharges from wet weather.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $1,709,100compared to traditional financing.