Norman Utilities Authority Receives $100,000 Grant for Wastewater System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Norman Utilities Authority (Authority) in Cleveland County received approval for a $100,000 Emergency Grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure.

The Authority operates a wastewater system that serves the local community. Following a series of heavy rain events in May, a key sanitary sewer line was washed out, creating an urgent need for repairs to maintain reliable service. This project will replace the damaged aerial crossing with a new 18-inch carrier pipe supported by piers drilled into bedrock, ensuring long-term stability and protection against future storm impacts. Once complete, the improvements will restore system reliability and help safeguard public health and the environment for Norman residents and businesses. The estimated cost of the project is $748,550.00 which will be funded by the OWRB Emergency grant in the amount of $100,000.00 and $648,550.00 from local funds.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $192,400 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

“We are grateful to State Legislators from the Norman area for their continued support of our financial assistance programs,” said Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB.

Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $8.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.