Press Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – Commerce Development Authority (Authority) in Ottawa County received approval for a $75,000 Emergency Grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure.

The Authority operates a public water system serving local residents and businesses. Following severe freezing conditions on January 28, 2026, the Authority experienced a complete loss of water in its storage tank due to pump failures and breaks in the water distribution system. The project will reimburse the Authority for emergency pump replacement and repairs to the water storage tank, restoring the system’s capacity to provide reliable drinking water service. These improvements will strengthen the system’s resilience to future weather-related disruptions and help protect public health by supporting a dependable supply of safe drinking water. The $75,000 project will be funded through an OWRB Emergency Grant.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $157,200 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.