Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Locust Grove Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for a $1,500,000 loan with 100% principal forgiveness on Tuesday 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).

The Authority, located in Mayes County, operates a wastewater collection system that serves 548 sewer customers. Aging infrastructure has led to increased inflow and infiltration (I&I)—the unwanted entry of stormwater and groundwater into the sewer system—which is contributing to sanitary sewer overflows, higher maintenance costs, and regulatory compliance challenges. The proposed project will fund a comprehensive sanitary sewer evaluation study (SSES) and the development of an engineering report to identify and prioritize system deficiencies. These efforts will support long-term infrastructure planning, reduce strain on the wastewater treatment system, and improve overall system performance

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s  customers will save an estimated $2,466,900 compared to traditional financing.