OKLAHOMA CITY –The Eufaula Public Works Authority (Authority) received approval for $1,400,000 in funding Tuesday, April 16, from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure.

The first request was for $400,000 financed by the Oklahoma American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program along with $400,000 in Muskogee Creek Nation tribal matching funds, and $204,000 in Indian Health Service proceeds.

A second request totaling $1,000,000 will be financed by the Oklahoma American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program along with $9,800 of local funds.

The Authority owns and operates a wastewater collection system (System) where infiltration is evident due to aging pipes and manholes.

The first request proceeds will be used to install 8,032 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe via pipe bursting methods and remove and replace twelve manholes.

These improvements will address inflow and infiltration into the sewer collection system thereby reducing unintended flows to the wastewater treatment facility and preventing unpermitted discharges from wet weather.

The second request proceeds will be used to rehabilitate the Authority’s wastewater treatment plant. This project will include improvements to the oxidation ditch, an oxidation basin cleaning, and rehabilitation of the clarifier.

Joe Freeman, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the Authority’s customers will save a combined estimated amount of $3,744,300 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 $7.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.

“We are grateful to State Senator Roger Thompson and State Representative Randy Randleman for their continued support of our financial assistance programs,” said Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB.