Seneca - Cayuga Nation Receives $6,631,925 Grant for System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Seneca - Cayuga Nation (Nation) received approval for $6,631,925 in funding on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Nation’s water & sewer/wastewater infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water and wastewater system will be financed by the OWRB American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program along with $6,631,925 in matching funds from the Seneca-Cayuga Nation.
The Nation operates a water and wastewater system serving its tribal communities and is undertaking critical improvements to enhance service delivery. The proposed project will add approximately 22,500 linear feet of 12-inch water lines, upgrade water meters, install new gate valves, and improve water and sewer connections. Additionally, the project includes renovating a lift station, installing solar panels to power water pumping facilities, and making other necessary upgrades to ensure efficient, reliable, and safe water services. The estimated cost of the projects are $13,263,850.00 which will be funded by the OWRB Tribal Matching Grant of $6,631,925.00 and Seneca-Cayuga Nation funds of $6,631,925.00.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Nation’s customers will save an estimated $10,847,300.00 compared to traditional financing.
“This project represents a significant step forward in ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable water and wastewater services for the Seneca-Cayuga Nation,” said Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair. “I commend the Nation and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for their partnership on these vital infrastructure improvements.”
“We are grateful to the State Legislators 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 $8.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
