The Wright City Public Works Authority Receives $99,999 Grant for Wastewater System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Wright City Public Works Authority (Authority) in McCurtain 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 wastewater infrastructure.

The Authority operates a wastewater system that is currently facing inflow and infiltration challenges due to deteriorating sewer lines. The proposed project involves replacing approximately 1,300 linear feet of 8-inch sewer line, along with all necessary components to complete the work. The total estimated cost of the project is $99,999.00, which will be fully funded by 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.

“This $99,999 investment, provided through the OWRB REAP grant program, will allow the Wright City Public Works Authority to replace deteriorating sewer lines, addressing critical inflow and infiltration issues,” said Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard. “This investment is essential for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of our wastewater system, ensuring cleaner, safer infrastructure for our community.”

“We are grateful to Senator George Burns and Representative Eddy Dempsey 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.