Taloga Public Works Authority Receives $99,999 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Taloga Public Works Authority (Authority) in Dewey County received approval for a $99,999 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure.
The Taloga Public Works Authority operates a water treatment plant that currently lacks a backup power system, leaving it vulnerable to disruptions caused by power outages. The proposed project involves the installation of a backup generator at the plant, along with all necessary components to ensure the system’s reliability during outages. The total estimated cost of the project is $99,999.00, which will be fully funded through an OWRB REAP Grant in the same amount.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $180,100 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.
“Water treatment services shouldn’t grind to a halt when the power goes out, especially in a state where our unpredictable weather can cause electrical outages,” said Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt. “This funding will provide Taloga the resources needed to install a critical backup generator at the water treatment plant, ensuring reliable service at all times."
“I greatly appreciate the work of the OWRB and will continue to support their efforts in sustaining much needed infrastructure improvements in our rural communities,” said Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene. “This REAP grant was critical for Taloga to make the upgrades necessary to ensure water services would always be available to residents of their community.”
“We are grateful to Senator Casey Murdock and Representative Mike Dobrinski 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.
