Chandler Municipal Authority Receives $2,650,000 Grant for System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY –The Chandler Municipal Authority (Authority) received approval for $2,650,000 in fundingon Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the wastewater system will be financed by the OWRB American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program along with matching funds from the Iowa Tribe.
The Authority is preparing for the increased demand on wastewater flows to service the Iowa Tribe’s future hotel and casino developments. To accommodate this growth, the Authority will undertake critical improvements to its wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), including replacing aging equipment, installing a new flow measurement structure, upgrading digesters, blowers, and pumps, and enhancing the electrical system. The estimated cost of the project is $5,300,000.00, which will be jointly funded by a $2,650,000.00 OWRB ARPA Grant and $2,650,000.00 in Iowa Tribal funds.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $4,275,900.00 compared to traditional financing.
“Reliable and consistent wastewater services are essential for business development and economic growth,” said Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston. “This $2.65 million grant, along with matching funds from tribal partners, will fund critical infrastructure improvements to support the Iowa Tribe’s new hotel and casino, which will create new jobs and be a great addition to the Chandler community.”
“This project is an investment in Chandler’s future, ensuring the wastewater treatment plant can support growth while protecting public health and the environment,” said Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler. “I appreciate the partnership between the Chandler Municipal Authority and the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma in strengthening local infrastructure.”
“We are grateful to State Senator Grant Green and State Representative Jim Shaw 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 $7.8 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
