Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 2, Beckham County, Oklahoma Receives $99,840 REAP Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

The Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 2, Beckham County, Oklahoma (District) in Beckham County received approval for a $99,840 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the District’s Water infrastructure.

The District is taking steps to improve its water distribution system, which includes three standpipes, three water wells, and water lines. Over time, the standpipes have developed corrosion and sedimentation issues, impacting system performance. The District plans to rehabilitate the Sweetwater Tank standpipe, addressing these critical concerns to enhance water quality and reliability for its customers. The project, estimated at $99,840, is fully funded by an OWRB REAP grant, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining essential infrastructure 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.

“We are grateful to Senator Brent Howard and Representative Anthony Moore 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.