Rural Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Management District No. 4 Atoka County, Oklahoma Receives $2,381,033 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY –The Rural Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Management District No. 4 Atoka County, Oklahoma (District) received approval for $2,381,033 in funding Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the District’s water infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water system will be financed by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant of $2,381,032.77 and $2,381,032.77 from Choctaw Tribal Funds.
The District will utilize the proceeds to enhance its public water supply system to meet growing demand. The current system is nearing full capacity and the District plans to install a new 18-inch waterline from McGee Creek to the water treatment plant, boosting both the water supply and treatment capacity. The project will also include the necessary appurtenances to ensure comprehensive system improvements. This investment is essential for maintaining reliable service and supporting future growth in the community.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the District’s customers will save an estimated $3,631,200 compared to traditional financing.
"I am proud of the collaboration between the state and Choctaw Nation to accomplish this important project for Atoka County," Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said. "This water supply system is nearing capacity, requiring a moratorium on adding new meters. This project will increase the water supply and capacity and allow further growth in our area. Water is one of our most important state resources, and projects like this help move Oklahoma forward."
“We are grateful to Oklahoma Legislators from the Atoka area 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 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 $7.5 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
