Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Francis Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for $2,730,000 in funding with $950,000 in 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) and the OWRB American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program.

The Authority is undertaking a critical infrastructure project to replace its aging water tower, originally installed in 1911. The tower is at risk of failure due to structural deterioration, including cracking, spalling, and an unstable foundation. The project will include constructing a new water tower, looping dead-end water lines to improve system reliability, and completing all necessary enhancements to meet state construction standards. These upgrades will ensure the Authority can maintain water pressure, improve distribution efficiency, and provide a safe, reliable water supply to the community. The estimated $2,830,000 project will be funded through an ARPA grant of $1,000,000, a Rural Infrastructure Grant of $100,000, and a DWSRF loan of 
$1,730,000 with $950,000 in principal forgiveness.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $3,800,600 compared to traditional financing. The DWSRF loan will be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority’s water, sewer, and sanitation revenues and may include a mortgage on the water and sewer systems.