The Bernice Public Works Authority Receives $85,168 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Bernice Public Works Authority (Authority) in Delaware County received approval for a $85,168 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure.

The Authority is enhancing its water distribution system by connecting to the Ketchum Public Works Authority water system for a higher-quality primary water supply, while still maintaining its well water as a backup source. The proposed project involves purchasing two generators: one for the pump station at the connection between the two systems, and another for backup power at the well site. The project will also include all necessary appurtenances to complete the installation. The total estimated cost of the project is $85,168, which will be funded by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) through a REAP grant.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $166,900 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

“We are grateful to Senator Micheal Bergstrom and Representative Josh West 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.