Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Bernice Public Works Authority (Authority) in Delaware County received approval for a $85,168 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure.

The Authority is enhancing its water distribution system by connecting to the Ketchum Public Works Authority water system for a higher-quality primary water supply, while still maintaining its well water as a backup source. The proposed project involves purchasing two generators: one for the pump station at the connection between the two systems, and another for backup power at the well site. The project will also include all 
necessary appurtenances to complete the installation. The total estimated cost of the project is $85,168, which will be funded by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) through a REAP grant.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $166,900 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.