Carney Public Utilities Authority receives $1,000,000 grant for system improvements

OKLAHOMA CITY –The Carney Public Utilities Authority (Authority) received approval for $1,000,000 in funding 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 Oklahoma American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program.

The Authority owns and operates a water and wastewater system for the town of Carney. These proceeds will be used for water well repair, water tower rehabilitation, to replace 1,000 linear feet of water line, 1,700 linear feet of 8-inch sewer main, and replace 4 (four) manholes. A portion of these improvements will address inflow and infiltration in the wastewater system.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $1,553,200 compared to traditional financing.

The ARPA grant program is administered by the OWRB with funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and appropriated through the Water and Wastewater 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 $7.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

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

“It is positive to see this funding going to crucial infrastructure in rural Oklahoma. These grants will pay dividends to the community of Carney for years to come,” Senator Green shared. Chairman Wallace stated, "I'm excited about the many approved OWRB America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants in House District 32. These grants will not only improve the water delivery and wastewater treatment for the residents of the town of Carney, but also benefit other communities throughout the district. These water initiatives are essential to sustaining a healthy populace and thriving businesses. I am glad to have played a role in the funding and approval of these valuable projects as a member of the state ARPA committee." 

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Contact:
Joe Freeman
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
(405) 530-8800
Joe.Freeman@owrb.ok.gov