The Tullahassee Public Works Authority Receives $1,153,846 Grant for System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Tullahassee Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for $1,153,846 in funding Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water system will be financed by the OWRB American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program.
The Tullahassee Public Works Authority (TPWA) is undertaking a critical project to upgrade its aging and substandard water distribution system. Currently experiencing significant water loss between 45% to 65% and lacking any water storage capacity, the TPWA's planned improvements include constructing a 115,000-gallon storage tank to enhance system reliability. Additional upgrades include repairing the roof of the water department building, purchasing a water service truck, and other necessary equipment. These efforts will address long-standing challenges and ensure a more reliable water supply for the community.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $1,778,800.00 compared to traditional financing.
“Investing in the Tullahassee Public Works Authority project is a crucial step towards revitalizing this community's water infrastructure,” said Senator Blake “Cowboy” Stephens (R-OK). “The construction of a new storage tank and providing the water department with needed equipment and resources will ensure reliable access to clean and safe water for all residents for many years to come. I extend my appreciation to OWRB for their work on this historically underserved project and their commitment to enhancing communities across Oklahoma.”
"I am incredibly grateful to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for their commitment to improving Oklahoma's infrastructure," Representative Kevin McDugle (R-OK) said. "The funding approved today for the Tullahassee water distribution system will ensure that critical water storage is constructed, and necessary repairs are made. These changes will make a significant impact on the ability of the Tullahassee Public Works Authority to serve Oklahomans."
“We are grateful to State Senator Blake “Cowboy” Stephens and State Representative Kevin McDugle 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 Treasuryand 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 $7.6 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
