OWRB Earns Inaugural EPA State Excellence Award for Water Infrastructure Leadership
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) has reached a new pinnacle in its mission to serve the state, earning the inaugural Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) State Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This national honor, debuting in 2026, distinguishes the OWRB as a premier model for water infrastructure financing. While EPA has historically recognized individual projects, this award was created to spotlight the high-performing state SRF programs that demonstrate outstanding financial and program management and effective delivery of assistance. For the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, the award validates decades of work building a reputable, data-driven resource that Oklahoma communities have come to rely on.
“Across the country, states are putting State Revolving Fund resources to work in ways that deliver real, lasting benefits for communities by modernizing aging systems, strengthening resilience, and ensuring families can rely on safe, clean water every day,” said Assistant Administrator Jess Kramer. “These projects show that when we pair federal investment with state leadership, we can protect human health, support local economies, and reach communities that have too often been left behind.”
To date, the OWRB has facilitated over $8.6 billion in approved infrastructure funding, a milestone made possible by a team dedicated to navigating complex federal requirements to deliver maximum local impact. These efforts have resulted in more than $2.6 billion in direct savings for Oklahoma communities, allowing local leaders to reinvest in their own growth and stability.
“We are honored to accept this award on behalf of our entire team at the Oklahoma Water Resources Board,” said Lori Johnson, OWRB Financial Assistance Chief. “Being recognized for our CWSRF program is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of so many people working toward a shared goal of protecting and improving Oklahoma’s water resources. This achievement really belongs to our staff. They have worked hard assisting communities across the state while constantly developing their own skills, streamlining our internal processes to better serve our borrowers, and bringing the spirit of innovation to infrastructure financing. It also belongs to the partners and communities who trust in and support this program every day… We are excited to keep learning from other programs across the country and look forward to continuing to cheer on the success of SRFs and the incredible impact they have nationwide. Thank you to EPA Region 6 for nominating us and thank you to the EPA for this honor.”
This culture of innovation was also recognized through two honorable national mentions: the PISCES Award for the multi-agency Statewide Septic Replacement Program and the AQUARIUS Award for the Welch Public Works Authority’s ion exchange water treatment plant.
“I am exceptionally proud of the commitment and ingenuity demonstrated by our staff and by the local and state officials who we serve,” said Julie Cunningham, OWRB Executive Director. “Together, we have built one of the most efficient and cost-effective public financing programs in the nation that prioritizes strengthening communities, accelerating project delivery, and maximizing returns on investment. Through streamlined application processes, disciplined fiscal stewardship, and leveraging the participation of our largest communities to secure lower costs for smaller systems, we have established a national model for water infrastructure investment. This recognition from the EPA affirms the strength of our collective efforts and reinforces that strong water infrastructure is the foundation for an Oklahoma where economic development thrives, communities flourish, and our water resources are protected for generations to come.”
Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $8.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
About the OWRB
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.
