OKLAHOMA CITY – The Walters Public Works Authority (Authority) in Cotton County received approval for a $33,382 Emergency Grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s wastewater infrastructure.
The Authority operates a public wastewater treatment facility that serves the community. Recent severe weather caused critical equipment failures, including the loss of a floating mixer aerator due to a lightning strike and the breakdown of a major pump following record rainfall.
To restore reliable operations, the Authority will replace damaged equipment with a new 30-horsepower pump, a 10-horsepower pump, and a floating aerator, along with supporting components. These improvements will ensure the facility continues to operate effectively, protecting public health and the environment. The estimated cost of the project is $39,770.34 which will be funded by the OWRB Emergency grant in the amount of $33,804.00 and $5,966.34 from local funds.
Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $80,800 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.
“We are grateful to Senator Spencer Kern and Representative Trey Caldwell 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 $8.3 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
City Hall News:
As City Manager, I am pleased to share that the Walters Public Works Authority has been awarded a $33,804 Emergency Grant from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB).
This grant will allow us to replace critical equipment at our wastewater treatment facility that was damaged during recent severe weather and flooding. These improvements are vital to ensuring reliable operations, protecting public health, and maintaining the quality of service for our community.
On behalf of the City of Walters, I extend our gratitude to the OWRB, Senator Spencer Kern, and Representative Trey Caldwell for their support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma.
~Matt LaFee
