News & Events

Tishomingo Municipal Authority receives $190,000 loan from OWRB

The Tishomingo Municipal Authority (Authority) received approval for a $190,000 loan Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure. The study and planning upgrades and improvements to the wastewater system will be financed by a 100% principal forgiveness loan through the Oklahoma Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) along with a $75,000 grant from the Chickasaw Nation.

The Authority will utilize the proceeds to conduct a Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey (SSES) to identify inflow and infiltration issues which need to be addressed. This survey will then be analyzed by a consulting engineer for system upgrade recommendations. Recommended improvements, based on the findings from the study, will help to reduce the amount of inflow and infiltration in the system thereby reducing the unintended flows to the wastewater treatment facility.

  Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s  customers will save an estimated $247,900 compared to traditional financing.

Caddo Public Works Authority receives $117,560 loan from OWRB

The Caddo Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for a $117,560 loan Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure. The study and planning upgrades and improvements to the wastewater system will be financed by a 100% principal forgiveness loan through the Oklahoma Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).

The Authority will utilize the proceeds to conduct a Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey (SSES) to identify areas of the sewer system within the Authority which need to be addressed. This survey will then be analyzed by a consulting engineer for system upgrade recommendations. Recommended improvements, based on the findings from the study, will help to reduce the amount of inflow and infiltration in the system thereby reducing the unintended flows to the wastewater treatment facility.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $162,430 compared to traditional financing.

The Dewar Public Works Authority received approval for a $1,637,000 loan June 15th, 2021 from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure.  Construction of upgrades and improvements to the wastewater system will be financed by the Oklahoma Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) where $200,000 of the loan will be in the form of loan forgiveness along with $931,409 from Indian Health Services.

The Authority will utilize the proceeds to retrofit the existing facility and for the construction of a flow-through lagoon system with a cascade aerator. These improvements will address unintended flows to the wastewater treatment plant and protecting the waters that enter Coal Creek and Henryetta Lake.

Vice Mayor of Dewar, Gary McGowin, stated, “I would like to express appreciation to the Board and staff for providing low interest rate financing to make sewer system improvements for the benefit of Dewar.”

The Guymon Utilities Authority received approval for a $5,000,000 loan June 15th, 2021 from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water and gas metering infrastructure.  Upgrades to the system will be financed by the Oklahoma Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).

The Authority will utilize the proceeds to acquire and install approximately 4,180 Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) water meters and retro-fitting approximately 4,250 gas meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). The new meters will allow for the Authority to better monitor and bill for water and gas used by its citizens, ultimately reducing the amount of water and gas consumed. This project helps to meet Oklahoma’s Water for 2060 goals by focusing on water conservation through a reduction of unintended flows to the wastewater treatment plant and is recognized under Oklahoma’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan for an improved efficiency of natural gas use correlation with enhanced processes in natural gas production areas.

Guymon's Mayor, Kim Peterson, stated "Guymon’s AMRs have been talked about for ten years and we are excited about the move. We appreciate the Board’s consideration.”

The Holdenville Public Works Authority received approval for $100,000 in funding 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) where the full amount will be in the form of loan forgiveness.

The Authority will utilize the proceeds to replace the existing gaseous chlorine system with a liquid feed chlorine system. Disinfecting drinking water has reduced waterborne disease drastically. However, byproducts which may result by the disinfection can sometimes have unintended effects. Therefore, by addressing this issue, this project helps to meet the public health goals for the state.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $141,100 compared to traditional financing.

The District’s System Manager, Sheldon Tatum, stated, “The OWRB grant is so very important to help us continue to serve our customers and keep our business on solid ground.”

The Kingfisher Public Works Authority received approval for $162,168 in funding 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) where the full amount will be in the form of loan forgiveness.

The Authority will utilize the proceeds to construct a mixing, aeration, and ventilation system and a chlorine injection point for the existing ground storage tank located at the Kingfisher water treatment plant. These improvements will reduce disinfection byproducts within the system. Disinfecting drinking water has reduced waterborne disease drastically. However, byproducts which may result by the disinfection can sometimes have unintended effects. Therefore, by addressing this issue, this project helps to meet the public health goals for the state.

  Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $217,800 compared to traditional financing.

The Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust  received approval for a $55,000,000 loan Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Trust’s water metering infrastructure. Upgrades to the system will be financed by the Oklahoma Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).

The Trust will utilize the proceeds to acquire and install approximately 240,000 Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) water meters. This project helps to meet Oklahoma’s Water for 2060 goals by focusing on water conservation and efficiency and reducing unintended flows to the wastewater treatment plant.

The Cherokee County Rural Water District No. 1  received approval for $100,000 in funding  June 15, 2021 from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the District’s water infrastructure.  The planning of upgrades and improvements to the water system will be financed by the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) where the full amount will be in the form of loan forgiveness.

Loan proceeds will be used for planning and design of 6" and 8" waterline, a storage tank, and a duplex booster pump station with standby power  for the District to purchase water from Muskogee County Rural Water District No. 7 allowing the system to continue providing water for residents and businesses in and near the District.

The Shawnee Municipal Authority received approval for $20,625,000 in funding May 18th, 2021 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 will utilize the proceeds to improve and expand their water treatment plant. Construction will include a rapid mix basin, four (4) high rate pulsating clarifiers with tube settlers, eight (8) declining rate cluster filters, a dry polymer feed system, a powdered activated carbon bulk feed system, replacement of three (3) high service pumps, and installation of a new generator. This project will allow the Authority to continue supplying water to its customers in compliance with state and federal drinking water regulations.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $2,035,800 over the life of the 30-year loan compared to traditional financing.

Chairman of the Authority, Kenneth Smith, stated, “On behalf of the 3,216 residents living in Tonkawa, the businesses, Tonkawa Tribal Casino and Hotel, Travel Plazas, Northern Oklahoma College, and the Tonkawa schools, we want to express our appreciation to the OWRB Board for their consideration for this loan as it will benefit the citizens’ quality of life, expand our future water system, and provide a valuable resource for our community.”

A Meeker representative stated, “The Meeker Public Works Authority would like to thank the staff and Board Members of the OWRB for the assistance we have received. The planning and design loan forgiveness we received in 2018 and 2019 was the single biggest factor that made the current financing a reality. Thank you in advance for considering our current request.”

An Authority representative stated, “On behalf of the citizens of Lawton, we would like to express our appreciation to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The Board’s loan programs have helped to manage the costs to upgrade the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure.  We would particularly like to thank the OWRB staff for their hard work and assistance.”

Chairman of the Authority and Mayor of Hobart, Jeff Allen, shared “The City of Hobart for several years has been involved in efforts to improve the City’s water system. The City relies on Foss Reservoir for its drinking water, but also wants to enhance its own ability to treat and store water from Rocky Lake in order to have a supplemental water supply for peak demand periods and to have a back-up supply of water in the event that its primary water supply is unavailable. The City of Hobart appreciates the OWRB’s assistance in financing this critical infrastructure for the citizens of Hobart.”

Webbers Falls Mayor, David Chase, stated, “The East Central Oklahoma Water Authority appreciates the Board’s consideration of our funding request for this project. The principal forgiveness funds we received in 2019 and as part of this financing have been an essential component of financing these system improvements. We would like to thank the staff and Board members for your assistance to our community and other small towns like ours.”

A District representative stated, “Our microfiltration system was seriously compromised by the cold water we were attempting to filter out of the lake. Despite the efforts of our crew and multiple entities we were unable to maintain necessary processing power. This grant is an amazing opportunity to relieve that financial burden as we are moving forward to correct other issues caused by the storm. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Press release detail - 

The McCurtain County Rural Water District No. 8 (District) received approval for $850,000 in funding Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the District’s water infrastructure.  Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water system will be financed by the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) where $100,000 of the loan will be in the form of loan forgiveness.

A District representative stated, ““On behalf of the Board of Directors and the members of Rural Water District No. 8, McCurtain County, OK, we would like to thank you in advance and express our appreciation to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for their efforts as it relates to the financing of the current water line relocation project. The District is growing rapidly and the financing provided by the OWRB has been an invaluable tool as we have attempted to stay ahead of our ever increasing demand. Both the OWRB and DEQ staff have gone out of their way to make this process as easy as possible. Many thanks to everyone involved.”

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the District’s customers will save an estimated $216,100 over the life of the 20 year loan compared to traditional financing.

Edmond's Chairman, Dan O'Neill, stated, "The City of Edmond appreciates the Board's consideration and values the OWRB financing programs. They would also like to thank the OWRB staff for their dedication and help."

Press Release Detail - 

The Authority will utilize the proceeds to install approximately six and a half miles of six inch waterline between Washington County Rural Water District (RWD) No. 7 and Osage County Rural Water (RWD) District No. 20. Additional uses will include rehabilitation of their water treatment plant to include: expansion of the current building, the addition of two new multimedia filters, relocate the chlorine feed, and install two new chlorine feed pumps at the Osage No. 20 storage tank and add aeration to the Washington No. 7 standpipe. This project will allow Osage County RWD No. 20 to decommission their water treatment plant and improve the water quality for residents and businesses in and near their District.  The project will help meet the State of Oklahoma’s Water for 2060 goals.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $2,693,300 over the loan’s life compared to traditional financing.

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“The City of Edmond appreciates the OWRB’s consideration of our loan and the OWRB staff for all of their assistance.”

“The Heavener Utilities Authority would like to express our appreciation for the OWRB’s consideration of our loan. The savings generated by the refinancing transaction will allow the Authority to continue providing utility services at the lowest possible cost to our customers. In particular, we would like to express our appreciation to the OWRB staff for all of their assistance in the loan application process.”

“On behalf of the Authority and the citizens of Atoka, we would like to express our gratitude to the Board for its consideration of the proposed refinancing through the Financial Assistance Program. Achieving economical savings through this program will help us continue to work towards the long term goals of the City. We appreciate the efforts of the Board and its staff that have allowed us to utilize its programs several times in the past and look forward to working with you again on this financing.”

“The City of Harrah would like to express our sincere appreciation for your consideration of our loan application. The City recognizes the significant economic advantages of the Board’s financing programs and more importantly, the assistance of the Board’s staff in the loan application process. The OWRB is an asset to our State and we look forward to continuing this partnership as the City looks to further improve the quality and viability of our water and wastewater infrastructure. This loan will allow the City of Harrah to improve and expand its infrastructure to accommodate for the growth we are currently experiencing, as well as for years to come.”

“The City of Choctaw is in dire need of above ground storage for water to meet firefighting requirements for the city.  The City is currently short approximately 400,000 gallons in storage with Choctaw requiring a minimum of 1 million gallons.  This project brings the city up to 1.1 million gallons of storage as well as addresses an urgent need to repair and refurbish an above ground storage tower.”

“…the town believes these projects will both help to protect and conserve water resources as well as provide sustainable wastewater handling alternatives for the next 20 years and beyond.”

“Our small community suffered greatly during the flood of 2019. Our sewers were greatly affected by the flood and we are attempting to make the necessary repairs. Please allow me to take this opportunity to express the gratitude of the town for all your support and aid during the past year.”

Grove’s General Manager stated, “I would like to express our appreciation to the Board for its assistance in providing low interest rate financing to make sewer line repairs across the community. In the past the Board’s loan programs have aided the Authority in improving its water and sewer systems at very competitive rates and terms. We are pleased to come back to the Board for this important project.”

“…we want to thank the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for its consideration of this loan request. Being able to refinance existing loans and receive new loans at extremely competitive rates allows us to spend more money in the very infrastructure that supplies safe drinking water to public and allows for us to discharge clean water back into the environment.”

"The City recognizes the significant economic advantages of the Board’s financing programs and more importantly, the assistance of the Board’s staff in the project planning and loan application process. The OWRB is an asset to our State and to the City of Bartlesville. The City and the OWRB have a long and successful history, and I personally am grateful to your organization for all of the assistance that you have provided to us through the years.  I look forward to continuing this partnership as the City looks to further improve the quality and viability of our water and wastewater infrastructure.”

"The City of Pawhuska is thankful for the assistance OWRB has provided to help alleviate the problems associated with the failing dam at Pawhuska Lake.  An inspection of the dam in 2019 indicated several problems which needed to be addressed to maintain the dam and prevent possible dam failure. OWRB met with the City to discuss the problems with the dam and to discuss possible funding options the City was not aware of.  Without the assistance of OWRB and their staff, solving the issues with the dam would have been difficult. An emergency grant and principal forgiveness loan from OWRB will provide the assistance we need to upgrade the dam and make it safer for the public and city personnel who maintain the dam."

'The Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust would like to thank the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for considering the proposed Clean Water SRF Loan. We have submitted proposals for Drinking Water SRF and FAP loan for the June meeting as well. The application process has been seamless; the OWRB staff is very professional and responsive. On behalf of the citizens of Oklahoma City, we thank you...'

'The City of Edmond appreciates the Board’s consideration and values the OWRB financing programs.  They would also like to thank the OWRB staff for their dedication and help during these difficult times.'

'Atoka thanks the Board for the time and consideration of this request. These projects are very important for the town of Atoka in securing quality water for the system. Like most rural communities there are many needs with little revenue and this funding is critical.'

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'On behalf of Rural Water & Sewer District #4, Lincoln County, I would like to express our gratitude to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board as well as other agencies that are working together for the benefit of our district and other districts in Oklahoma.'