Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Seneca - Cayuga Nation (Nation) received approval for $6,631,925 in funding on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Nation’s water & sewer/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 $6,631,925 in matching funds from the Seneca-Cayuga Nation.

The Nation operates a water and wastewater system serving its tribal communities and is undertaking critical improvements to enhance service delivery. The proposed project will add approximately 22,500 linear feet of 12-inch water lines, upgrade water meters, install new gate valves, and improve water and sewer connections. Additionally, the project includes renovating a lift station, installing solar panels to power water pumping facilities, and making other necessary upgrades to ensure efficient, reliable, and safe water services. The estimated cost of the projects are $13,263,850.00 which will be funded by the OWRB Tribal Matching Grant of $6,631,925.00 and Seneca-Cayuga Nation funds of $6,631,925.00.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Nation’s customers will save an estimated $10,847,300.00 compared to traditional financing.