The Orlando Public Works Authority Receives $1,000,000 Grant for System Improvements from the OWRB
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Orlando Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for $1,000,000 in funding on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the wastewater system will be financed by the OWRB American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program.
The Authority operates a wastewater collection system that serves the community. To help restore compliance with regulatory requirements regarding inflow and infiltration (I&I), the town is moving forward with improvements that will reduce excess groundwater and rainfall entering the sewer system. The project will replace 4,282 linear feet of sewer line and 10 manholes, along with related infrastructure, to strengthen the system’s performance. These upgrades will help protect water quality, improve service reliability, and support the long-term needs of residents and businesses. The estimated cost of the project is $1,000,000.00 which will be funded by the OWRB ARPA Grant of $1,000,000.00.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $1,657,800.00 compared to traditional financing.
“This project is about protecting public health and ensuring Orlando has the infrastructure to serve its citizens for decades to come,” said Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. “By addressing wastewater issues now, we’re securing safe and reliable service for families and businesses.”
"I'm grateful to the Water Resources Board for allocating this funding to address issues impacting the sewer line in Orlando,” said Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Orlando. “This will prove beneficial to our residents who rely on this service."
“We are grateful to State Senator Chuck Hall and State Representative John Pfeiffer 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 $8.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
