Council Hill Public Works Authority Receives $99,999 REAP Grant for Wastewater System Improvements from the OWRB

The Council Hill Public Works Authority (Authority) in Muskogee County received approval for a $99,999 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure.

The Authority, which operates a sewer collection system and wastewater treatment facility with a total retention lagoon system, is addressing critical infrastructure concerns. The lagoons are currently at risk due to breaching dikes, threatening the stability of the facility. To prevent further damage and ensure continued service, the Authority plans to repair the dikes and make necessary improvements. The total cost of the project is estimated at $99,999, which will be fully funded by an OWRB REAP Grant, securing the long-term reliability of the wastewater treatment system for the community.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $169,700 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

"This is great news for Council Hill area residents as it will help secure the dykes for years to come,” said Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee. “I'm grateful for the grant money from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to take care of this pressing need."

“We are grateful to Senator Avery Frix and Representative Scott Fetgatter 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 $7.7 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.