Clayton Public Works Authority Receives $99,999 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Clayton Public Works Authority (Authority) in Pushmataha 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 experiencing maintenance challenges and increased fire protection concerns because the distribution system includes deteriorating cast iron and PVC pipelines ranging from 2-inches to 6-inches in diameter. The proposed project is to remove and replace approximately 2,400 linear feet of SDR 21 water line, three gate valves, and hydrants, 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.
“In small towns like Clayton, aging water lines and limited fire protection aren’t abstract problems — they’re real risks for families and first responders,” said Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard. “Replacing failing infrastructure and improving hydrant access is about public safety and basic reliability. This project fixes a known problem and helps make sure the community has water systems they can count on.”
“We are grateful to Senators George Burns and David Bullard and Representative Justin Humphrey 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 $8.6 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.
