Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Thomas Public Works Authority (Authority) in Custer County received approval for a $102,095 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure.

The Authority operates a water distribution system that is currently facing critical issues due to aging waterlines that have exceeded their expected lifespan. These deteriorated lines pose a risk to service reliability and water quality for the community. To address the problem, the proposed project will replace approximately 725 linear feet of 2-inch waterline, along with all necessary components to complete the upgrade. This improvement will help ensure safe, consistent water service for residents. The estimated cost of the project is $102,375.00 which will be funded by the OWRB REAP grant in the amount of $102,095.00 and $280.00 from local funds.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $197,300 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.