Town of Ralston Receives $145,000 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Town of Ralston (Town) in Pawnee County received approval for a $145,000 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Town’s water infrastructure.

The Town's public water system is experiencing diminished system capacity due to mineral accumulation. The buildup is restricting flow and causing pressure fluctuations, thereby impacting water service. The proposed project is to replace approximately 1,462 linear feet of existing 4-inch distribution lines with 4-inch PVC pipe, as well as replacing approximately 23 water meters, plus all appurtenances required to complete the project. The estimated cost of the project is $145,000 which will be funded by the OWRB REAP grant in the amount of $145,000.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $237,500 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

“This project highlights how we can strengthen our local communities by investing in much-needed water infrastructure,” said Senator Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City. “Thanks to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for this REAP grant, Ralston can now replace faulty water lines, address water pressure concerns and restore reliable water service to the local residents."

“This OWRB REAP Grant will go a long way toward helping Ralston manage its critical infrastructure, so all residents have an uninterrupted supply of water,” said Senator Chuck Hall, R-Perry. “This funding will provide the community with the resources to replace unreliable water lines and protect the community’s water supply for years to come."

"This project is an important step toward improving reliability for families and businesses in Ralston," Rep. Dillon Travis, R-Maramec, said. "For small towns, dependable infrastructure matters because it affects everyday life in ways people notice immediately. I appreciate the Oklahoma Water Resources Board helping communities like Ralston keep moving forward. I’m grateful to see continued investment in rural Oklahoma and look forward to helping deliver more resources and opportunities to our rural communities in the future."

“We are grateful to Senator Bill Coleman, Senator Chuck Hall and Representative Dillon Travis 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.