Pawhuska Public Works Authority Receives $55,000 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Pawhuska Public Works Authority (Authority) in Osage County received approval for a $55,000 Emergency Grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s Water infrastructure.

The Pawhuska Public Works Authority is moving forward with essential repairs to its water treatment and distribution system following damage caused by heavy rainfall in late April and early May, which exposed and damaged a water line under Clear Creek. The project includes replacing the damaged line, encapsulating it in concrete to prevent future incidents, and completing all necessary appurtenances. The total project cost of $68,750.00 will be funded through a $55,000.00 OWRB Emergency Grant and $13,750.00 in local funds. These improvements will ensure the reliability and resilience of the city’s water infrastructure.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $103,100 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

"The Oklahoma Water Resources Board continues to be a vital partner in addressing the urgent needs of our rural communities,” said Representative Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City. “This $55,000 grant ensures that the Pawhuska community can repair and strengthen vital water infrastructure impacted by severe weather. Investments like this grant for the Pawhuska Public Works Authority are critical to ensuring our residents have continual access to safe and dependable water."

“We are grateful to Senator Bill Coleman and Representative Ken Luttrell 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 $7.7 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.