Piedmont Municipal Authority Receives $2,000,000 Grant for System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Piedmont Municipal Authority (Authority) received approval for $2,000,000 in funding on 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 Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity (PREP) grant program.
The Authority operates a public water system that provides service to the growing community. With continued population growth, the system is facing challenges in maintaining sufficient water supply to meet demand. To address this need, the proposed project will design and construct approximately 9,200 feet of new 16-inch waterline, along with the necessary components to ensure reliable operation. These improvements will strengthen the community’s water infrastructure, support future growth, and ensure residents and businesses have access to a dependable water supply. The estimated cost of the project is $2,809,080.00 which will be funded by the OWRB PREP grant in the amount of $2,000,000.00 and $809,080.00 from an OWRB Financial Assistance Program (FAP) Loan.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $3,314,400.00 compared to traditional financing.
“We are grateful to State Senator Kristen Thompson and State Representative Denise Crosswhite-Hader for their continued support of our financial assistance programs,” said Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB.
The Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity (PREP) program was established to advance economic development and strengthen rural communities across Oklahoma. Administered by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) with funding appropriated by the Oklahoma Legislature, the program provides critical financial assistance for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. PREP is structured to ensure that legislatively designated projects have the necessary resources to meet essential infrastructure needs and support long-term community stability.
Since 1983 the Water Resources Board has approved over $8.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
