Geary Utilities Authority Receives $250,000 Grant for Emergency Water System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – Geary Utilities Authority (Authority) in Blaine and Canadian Counties received approval for a $250,000 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 its community. In June 2026, severe storms and lightning strikes caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, affecting equipment needed to produce and distribute drinking water. The project will repair or replace damaged well pumps and controllers, electrical components, and a standby generator, while restoring radio telemetry and well-control systems. These improvements will strengthen the reliability and resilience of the water system, helping ensure a dependable supply of safe drinking water and protecting public health. The $250,000 project will be fully 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 $413,600 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.
"Severe storms can cause significant damage to critical infrastructure, and unfortunately, Geary's well field took a serious hit from lightning strikes this summer,” said Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City. “This emergency grant will help the city make the necessary repairs and restore reliable, safe water service for the community. I am thankful that the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved a grant to Geary Utilities to address this immediate need."
“We are grateful to Senator Darcy Jech and Representative Nick Archer for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma,” said Julie Cunningham, OWRB Executive Director.
Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $9.2 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.
