About

Town of Corn Receives $75,000 Grant for Wastewater System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Town of Corn (Town) in Washita County received approval for a $75,000 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Town’s wastewater infrastructure.

The Town of Corn (Town) operates a wastewater system. The Town is experiencing infiltration and inflow (I&I) issues throughout the wastewater collection system. To support compliance efforts and system restoration, the Town will replace approximately 400 linear feet of aging 8-inch sewer main with new pipe and rehabilitate two existing manholes. These improvements will reduce excess flows, improve system reliability, and help prevent sewer overflows during heavy rainfall events.

The estimated cost of the project is $75,000.00 which will be funded by the OWRB REAP grant in the amount of $75,000.00.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $154,300 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

The Canute Public Works Authority Receives $999,999 Water System Loan with Principal Forgiveness from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Canute Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for a $999,999 loan with 100% principal forgiveness on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water system will be financed by the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).

The Authority operates a public water distribution system and is undertaking improvements to replace aging infrastructure and strengthen system reliability. The project will replace approximately 2,750 feet of outdated water line with new, modern piping designed to improve service and reduce the risk of leaks and breaks. Replacing these aging lines will help maintain consistent water pressure, improve system performance, and reduce long-term maintenance costs. These improvements will support reliable delivery of safe drinking water and enhance service for residents and businesses throughout the community.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $1,581,300 when compared to traditional financing.

The Tahlequah Public Works Authority Receives $1,758,603 Grant for System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Tahlequah Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for $1,758,602.90 in funding on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water and wastewater infrastructure.  Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water and wastewater system will be financed by the OWRB American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program along with $6,000,897 from the Cherokee Nation.

The Authority operates a water and wastewater system. As continued growth in the area increases demand on existing infrastructure, the Authority is undertaking critical improvements to expand system capacity and support future development. The proposed project includes replacing approximately 23,000 feet of aging 6-inch water line with a larger 12-inch water line along West 810 Road and constructing approximately 4,700 feet of new 8-inch sewer line along Highway 62. These improvements will enhance water delivery and help ensure reliable service for residents, businesses, and future growth in the community.

The project is estimated to cost $7,759,500.00 which will be funded by the OWRB Tribal ARPA Grant in the amount of $1,758,602.90 and $6,000,897.10 from the Cherokee Nation.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $2,769,000.00 when compared to traditional financing.