The Oklahoma Water Resources Board recently approved more than $43 million in loans for water and wastewater improvements to five cities across the state.
The largest totaled $28,170,000 for a water and wastewater system in Owasso. The loan was made to the Owasso Public Works Authority. The money will be used to make improvements to Owasso’s current system including construction of a new lift station and the laying of new water lines and gravity sewer lines.
The city of Miami received a $6.5 million loan for improvements to its wastewater system.
A loan totaling $4,715,000 was made to Nicoma Park for improvements to the city’s water system.
The city of Porum received a $99,999 grant through the Rural Economic Action Plan through the Water Resources Board. It will be used to improve the Porum Public Works Authority’s water system.
The Durant City Utilities Authority received a $4 million loan for improvements of the city’s water metering infrastructure. Money will be used to buy and install Automatic Meter Reading water meters.
Officers were also chosen for the Water Resources Board. Environmental engineer Robert Stallings of Enid, who represents oil and gas production interests was elected Chairman. ONEOK executive Stephen Allen of Jenks who represents industrial water use interests was picked Vice Chairman.
The secretary is rancher Bob Drake of Davis who represents rural residential water interests.
Other members include OGE attorney Jennifer Castillo of Oklahoma City; pastor Charles Darby of Broken Bow; Osage county rancher Ford Drummond of Bartlesville; rancher Suzanne Landess of Guymon; car dealership owner Robert Melton, Sr. of Claremore; and farmer Matt Muller of Altus.