Shidler, Oklahoma, Public Works Authority Receives $49,995 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Shidler, Oklahoma, Public Works Authority (Authority) in Osage County received approval for a $49,995 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure.

The Authority’s water treatment plant requires upgrades to improve its monitoring and control capabilities for more efficient operations. The proposed project will involve installing new hardware for three turbidity analyzers, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software, and cellular gateways, along with any necessary components to complete the project. The estimated cost of the project is $54,995.00, with $49,995.00 funded by a Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and $5,000.00 contributed from local funds.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $95,000 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

"Consistent water and wastewater treatment services are a key component of public health," said Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City. "These upgrades to Shidler's water treatment facilities will make city water facilities more efficient while ensuring service remains uninterrupted. Thanks to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for supporting Shidler on this project."

“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 $7.8 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.