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

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

The Authority operates a wastewater system that is facing challenges due to inflow and infiltration (I&I) caused by aging and deteriorating pipes. The proposed project will replace approximately 1,300 linear feet of 8-inch sewer line, repair three manholes, and reconnect ten service connections to improve system performance and compliance. The estimated cost of the project is $99,9999.00 which will be funded by the OWRB REAP grant in the amount of $99,999.00.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $181,600 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

“Upgrading Haileyville’s aging wastewater infrastructure is essential to protect public health and meet regulatory standards,” Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain. “I’m grateful to see strong collaboration between local officials and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to move this vital project forward.”

“I appreciate the OWRB's work in helping our small communities with infrastructure grants, many of these projects would simply not happen without OWRB's assistance,” said Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton.

“We are grateful to Senator Warren Hamilton and Representative Jim Grego 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 $8.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.