The Dewar Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for $300,000 in funding Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s water infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water system will be financed by the Oklahoma American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program, along with $300,000 in Muscogee Nation matching funds and $216,318 from Indian Health Services.
The Authority owns and operates a public water supply system for the town of Dewar. The current booster pump station and water mains are in need of replacement. These proceeds will be used to construct a new booster pump station and replace system water mains, enhancing the water system functionality for the Authority.
Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $456,000 compared to traditional financing.
The ARPA grant program is administered by the OWRB with funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and appropriated through the Water and Wastewater 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 $7.1 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
“We are grateful to State Senator Roger Thompson and State Representative Scott Fetgatter for their continued support of our financial assistance programs,” Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB, said.
“I’m excited to see the Dewar Public Works Authority receive funding for their infrastructure improvement projects,” Representative Scott Fetgatter said. “Investing in our communities today is crucial to the well-being of our residents tomorrow. I am grateful for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s commitment to improving our state’s infrastructure.”
