Press Release

Rural Water District No. 17 LeFlore County, Oklahoma Receives $55,236 Grant for System Improvements from the OWRB 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rural Water District No. 17 LeFlore County, Oklahoma (District) received approval for $55,236 in funding on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the District’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.

The District operates a water distribution system that has been experiencing unusually high water losses, up to 80%, due to undetected leaks and the lack of a modern leak detection program. To address these issues and improve system efficiency, the District completed a series of upgrades, including the installation of seven in-ground automatic flush hydrants, thirty-eight gate valves, and multiple leak repairs along its 33-mile waterline network. These improvements enhance water conservation, strengthen system reliability, and help the District better manage long-term operating costs. The total project cost was $255,235.58, funded through a combination of two RIG Grants, local contributions, and a Communities Unlimited loan. Of this amount, $55,235.58 is now eligible for reimbursement through the OWRB ARPA Grant.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the District’s customers will save an estimated $103,300.00 compared to traditional financing.