Press Release

The Taft Public Works Authority Receives $99,999 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Taft Public Works Authority (Authority) in Muskogee County received approval for a $99,999 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 aging and deteriorating, leading to reduced pressure and decreased reliability. Improvements are needed to restore adequate service levels and ensure proper hydrant operation for fire protection. The proposed project includes the removal and replacement of approximately 6,000 linear feet of water line, six  gate valves, and 20 service connections, plus all
appurtenances required to complete the project. The estimated cost of the project is $99,999.00 which will be funded by the OWRB REAP grant in the amount of $99,999.00.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $190,600 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.