Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY –The Ochelata Utilities Authority (Authority) received approval for $999,331 in funding Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s infrastructure.  Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water and wastewater system will be financed by the Oklahoma American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program.

The Authority owns and operates a wastewater treatment plant and water distribution system. The wastewater system must either reduce inflow and infiltration (I&I) or increase the capacity at the treatment facility. Also, the Authority has a need for increased fire protection. These proceeds will be used to replace approximately 5,300 linear feet of 8-inch sewer line, improve system hydraulics and provide additional fire protection by replacing approximately 2,650 linear feet of 8-inch water line along Ochelata Street between Sprawl Avenue and South Street.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $1,538,500 compared to traditional financing.