Buffalo Public Works Authority Receives $99,999 Grant for Wastewater System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – Buffalo Public Works Authority (Authority) in Harper 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 wastewater infrastructure.

The Authority is experiencing inflow and infiltration (I&I) issues resulting from deteriorated clay tile and concrete sewer lines. The proposed project is to remove and replace approximately 2,056 linear feet of clay and concrete lines with 8-inch PVC lines, plus all appurtenances required to complete the project. The estimated cost of the project is $271,350 which will be funded by the OWRB REAP grant in the amount of $99,999.99, $100,000.00 from an OEDA REAP Grant, and $71,350.01 from local funds.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $179,400 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

“The REAP program was created to improve life in rural Oklahoma, and this project is a great example of how those investments can make a difference," said Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt. "Updating these aging sewer lines will help the community maintain reliable sewer infrastructure for all residents. I will continue supporting funding for this critical program so rural communities in northwestern Oklahoma continue to thrive.”

“We are grateful to Senator Casey Murdock and Representative Kenton Patzkowsky for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma,” said Julie Cunningham, OWRB Executive Director.

Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $8.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

Established in 1957, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) serves as the state’s water resources planning and development agency. A nine-member Board oversees the OWRB, with members appointed by the Governor to represent nine geographic regions and water-use sectors. The OWRB is committed to managing, protecting, and improving Oklahoma’s water resources to meet long-term water supply, water quality, flood mitigation, and infrastructure needs. For more information, visit Oklahoma.gov/owrb.