The Wayne Public Works Authority (WPWA) received approval for a $99,999 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Authority’s Water infrastructure.

The WPWA owns and operates a water treatment plant, with distribution storage consisting of two standpipes and an elevated storage tank.

Currently, the elevated tank is out of service, and both the west and east standpipes require repairs.

To address these challenges, the authority is proposing a project to repair, rehabilitate, and repaint the west tower, along with necessary appurtenances.

The total cost of the project is $449,999, with funding provided by an OWRB REAP grant of $99,999 and $350,000 from McClain County ARPA funds.

This project will enhance the reliability of the water system and ensure compliance with state regulations.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the OWRB REAP grant will save the authority’s customers $169,700 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

“Congratulations to Wayne Public Works Authority on receiving this significant grant from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board,” said State Rep. Cynthia Roe. “These funds will be used toward much-needed repairs on their water management system. I appreciate the diligent work of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and our hard-working public servants at Wayne Public Works Authority.”

“We are grateful to Senators Jonathan Wingard and Kendal Sacchieri and Representative Roe 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 $7.7 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.