Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Wilburton Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for a $1,582,700 loan 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 operates a wastewater treatment system that serves more than 2,200 residents and businesses in Latimer County. Much of the facility’s equipment is aging and in deteriorating condition, leading to system failures during heavy rain events. To ensure reliable service and protect water quality, the Authority will replace and repair critical equipment at the wastewater treatment plant and lift stations, including pumps, blowers, bar screens, generators, electrical control systems, and upgrades to the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which will enhance the ability to track performance, respond quickly to issues, and manage operations more efficiently. These improvements will strengthen performance, reduce the risk of service disruptions, and support the long-term needs of the community. 

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s  customers will save an estimated $1,342,700 over the life of the 20-year loan compared to traditional financing. The CWSRF loan will be secured with a lien on the revenues of the Authority’s  water, sewer, and sanitation services and a 1.5 cents sales tax. The Wilburton Public Works Authority’s officials attending the OWRB’s monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Treasurer and Secretary Dede Morris. “We would like to thank you so much for the consideration of this loan,” said Morris when addressing the Board Members.