Terral Public Works Authority Receives $99,999 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – Terral Public Works Authority (Authority) in Jefferson 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 system that is facing deficiencies in its disinfection process, including uneven chlorine distribution and safety risks associated with maintaining gaseous chlorine. The proposed project is to convert from gaseous chlorine to liquid chlorine at an existing facility and construct a new disinfection building at an alternate location, plus all appurtenances required to complete the project. The estimated cost of the project is $174,000.00, which will be funded by the OWRB REAP grant in the amount of $99,999.00 and $74,001.00 from the award of an ASCOG REAP grant.
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.
"This is welcome news for Terral and the families who depend on this water system every single day," Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan, said. "I am incredibly thankful to see this funding move forward, as it will not only address long-standing deficiencies but also improve safety and reliability for the entire community. Clean, dependable water is not a luxury. It is a basic need. I am proud to support this investment and grateful for the partnership that made it possible for the people of Terral."
“We are grateful to Senator Spencer Kern and Representative Stacy Jo Adams 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.
