Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Tonkawa Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma (Tribe) received approval for $500,000 in funding on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Tribe’s water infrastructure.  Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water system will be financed by the OWRB American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program along with additional funding from the Tonkawa Tribe of Indians and Bureau of Indian Affairs.  

The Tribe receives water from the Town of Tonkawa, but the Tribe seeks to gain greater control over its water supply to ensure consistent quality and safety. The proposed project includes drilling a new water well, constructing a water treatment system, and installing approximately 8,550 feet of water line and related infrastructure. Once complete, the project will provide the Tribe with a reliable, independently managed water source and improved protection against potential contaminants.  

The estimated cost of the project is $1,631,000.00 which will be funded by the OWRB ARPA Grant of $500,000.00, Tonkawa Tribe of Indians funds of $500,201.00, and Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant of $630,799.00. 

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $784,200.00 compared to traditional financing.