The Dewar Public Works Authority in Okmulgee County received approval for a $149,575 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure.

The Authority’s existing lift station equipment has become increasingly unreliable due to age and mechanical failure, leading to frequent breakdowns and overflow issues that threaten public health and environmental safety. To restore reliability and improve performance, the proposed project includes the removal and replacement of two failing pumps, installation of new pump rails and upgrades to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which provides real-time monitoring and control of lift station operations. These improvements also support longterm sustainability and operational efficiency, strengthening the community’s essential infrastructure for years to come.

The estimated cost of the project is $149,575.00 which will be funded by the OWRB REAP grant in the amount of $149,575.00.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWThe RB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $258,600 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

“We are grateful to Representative Scott Fetgatter for the 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 $7.9 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.