Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY –The  Eufaula Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for $1,400,000 in funding Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure. The first request was for $400,000 financed by the Oklahoma American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program along with $400,000 in Muskogee Creek Nation tribal matching funds, and $204,000 in Indian Health Service proceeds. A second request totaling $1,000,000 will be financed by the Oklahoma American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program along with $9,800 of local funds. 

The Authority owns and operates a wastewater collection system (System) where infiltration is evident due to aging pipes and manholes. The first request proceeds will be used to install 8,032 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe via pipe bursting methods and remove and replace twelve manholes. These improvements will address inflow and infiltration into the sewer collection system thereby reducing unintended flows to the wastewater treatment facility and preventing unpermitted discharges from wet weather. 

The second request proceeds will be used to rehabilitate the Authority’s wastewater treatment plant. This project will include improvements to the oxidation ditch, an oxidation basin cleaning, and rehabilitation of the clarifier.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save a combined estimated amount of $3,744,300 compared to traditional financing.