Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY –The The Lawton Water Authority (Authority) received approval for $2,000,000 in funding Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s infrastructure at Gondola Lake Dam.  Construction of upgrades and improvements to the dam will be financed by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program in addition to loans and local funds to secure the necessary remainder for the project, estimated to be $6,198,000.00.

The Lawton Water Authority is addressing critical rehabilitation needs for the aging Gondola Lake Dam, which plays a vital role in supporting recreational activities upstream of Medicine Park and preserving water quality in Medicine Creek. Although Medicine Creek is not currently listed as impaired, it faces challenges like turbidity and elevated bacteria levels from nonpoint source pollution. The project will evaluate three rehabilitation options to determine the most effective solution. With estimated costs ranging from $2.17 million to $8.2 million, partial funding includes a $2 million OWRB ARPA Grant, with the remaining funds to be secured through loans and local contributions. Construction and release of funds will only proceed once full funding is secured.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $3,097,400.00 compared to traditional financing.