Wellston Public Works Authority Receives $208,218 Grant for System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – Wellston Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for $208,218 in funding on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water and wastewater systems will be financed by the OWRB American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program.

The Authority owns and operates both a water and a wastewater system. To support reliable service to their customers, the Authority completed a lift station relocation, as well as water line improvements and extensions. The Authority also completed necessary improvements to the sewer lines to support system operation and service needs.

The approved funding will be used to reimburse the Authority for eligible costs related to the lift station relocation and sewer and water line improvements, in an amount not to exceed $208,217.94, funded by an OWRB ARPA Grant of $208,217.94.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $327,300.00 compared to traditional financing.

“This grant for Wellston is a meaningful step in supporting our local water and sewer infrastructure. Completing the lift station relocation and system upgrades not only strengthens service for residents today but also sets the community up for reliable water and wastewater operations for years to come,” said Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler.

“We are grateful to State Senator Grant Green and State Representative Jim Shaw for their continued support of our financial assistance programs,” said Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB.

The ARPA grant program is administered by the OWRB with funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and appropriated through the American Rescue Plan Act grants program. This OWRB program has been structured to provide communities and other eligible entities with the financial resources necessary to address water and wastewater infrastructure needs within their systems.

Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $8.6 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

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Contact:
Lori Johnson
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Chief, Financial Assistance Division
(405) 530-8800
Lori.Johnson@owrb.ok.gov