Town of Hydro Receives $150,000 Grant for Water System Improvements from the OWRB

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Town of Hydro (Town) in Caddo County received approval for a $150,000 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Town’s water infrastructure.

The Town of Hydro is making critical upgrades to its water system by addressing undersized infrastructure to improve service reliability and efficiency. This project will replace approximately 1,490 linear feet of outdated 4-inch water main with a 6-inch water main, enhancing water flow, pressure, and overall system performance. By modernizing these essential components, the improvements will support future growth, reduce the risk of service disruptions, and ensure a more dependable water supply for residents and businesses. The estimated cost of the project is $263,120.00 which will be funded by the OWRB REAP Grant of $150,000.00 and local funds of $113,120.00.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB's Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $244,000 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

"Reliable infrastructure is the backbone of any community. This $150,000 investment in Hydro’s water system will improve service for residents and businesses, ensuring safe and sufficient water for generations, said Senator Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher. “Modernizing these systems is a crucial step toward long-term sustainability and economic growth in this community.”

“We are grateful to Senator Darcy Jech and Representative Nick Archer 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.