News & Events

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.”

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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."

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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.'