Press Release

The Welch Public Works Authority Receives $64,900 Emergency Grant for Infrastructure Repair from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Welch Public Works Authority (Authority) in Craig County received approval for a $64,900 Emergency Grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure.

The Welch Public Works Authority, which operates a public water supply system serving the community, is addressing critical infrastructure needs following recent weather events. After receiving nine inches of rain in early November, the Authority identified a leak in the north wall of its clearwell, likely caused by a foundation shift exacerbated by flooding after extreme drought conditions. To ensure continued reliable water service, the Authority plans to construct a new 30,000-gallon clearwell, along with all necessary 
appurtenances. The $194,000 project is funded through a $64,900 OWRB Emergency Grant, $100,000 in RIG Grant Funds, and $29,100 in local contributions. This investment will enhance the resilience and functionality of the town’s water system. 

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the OWRB Emergency Grant will save the Authority’s customers $124,300 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.