OKLAHOMA CITY – The City of Holdenville (City) received approval for $861,500 in funding Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the City’s water/wastewater infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water/wastewater system will be financed by the OWRB American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program along with Muscogee Creek Tribal matching funds of $861,500.
The City owns and operates both a water distribution system and a wastewater collection system. During water main breaks or maintenance, the entire water system must be drained, leaving the City without water for days. Additionally, the wastewater system's lift station is currently inoperable. To address these issues, the City will use the proceeds to install valves and hydrants throughout the area, enabling the isolation of the water system during repairs. The project will also rehabilitate the DHS lift station with new pumps, motors, rails, electrical components, and valves, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
Joe Freeman, Chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the City’s customers will save an estimated $1,930,300 compared to traditional financing.
“We are grateful to State Senator Greg McCortney and State Representative David Smith 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 $7.4 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
