The Taft Public Works Authority Receives $99,999 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Taft Public Works Authority (Authority) in Muskogee 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 aging and deteriorating, leading to reduced pressure and decreased reliability. Improvements are needed to restore adequate service levels and ensure proper hydrant operation for fire protection. The proposed project includes the removal and replacement of   approximately 6,000 linear feet of water line, six  gate valves, and 20 service connections, 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.

“We are grateful to Senator Avery Frix and Representative Neil Hays 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.