Thomas Public Works Authority Receives $102,095 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Thomas Public Works Authority (Authority) in Custer County received approval for a $102,095 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure.

The Authority operates a water distribution system that is currently facing critical issues due to aging waterlines that have exceeded their expected lifespan. These deteriorated lines pose a risk to service reliability and water quality for the community. To address the problem, the proposed project will replace approximately 725 linear feet of 2-inch waterline, along with all necessary components to complete the upgrade. This improvement will help ensure safe, consistent water service for residents. The estimated cost of the project is $102,375.00 which will be funded by the OWRB REAP grant in the amount of $102,095.00 and $280.00 from local funds.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $197,300 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

"Aging water infrastructure presents significant challenges for many of our communities,” said Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher. “I’m pleased to see this collaboration with OWRB and the Thomas Public Works Authority to modernize these systems and keep water flowing to residents safely and efficiently."

“We are grateful to Senator Darcy Jech and Representative Anthony Moore 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 $8.2 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.