The Carney Public Utilities Authority received a $1 million grant from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for improvements in their water and wastewater infrastructure, according to an OWRB press release. The Authority received the grant on Tuesday.
The proceeds will be used for water well repair, water tower rehabilitation, the replacement of 1,000 linear feet of water line, 1,700 linear feet of eightinch sewer main, and the replacement of four manholes.
The Authority owns and operates a water and wastewater system for the town of Carney.
According to the press release, the Oklahoma American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program will finance the construction of upgrades and improvements to the water and wastewater systems.
Chief of the OWRB Financial Assistance Division, Joe Freeman, said the Authority’s customers are estimated to save over $1.5 million compared to traditional financing.
The OWRB program provides communities and other eligible entities with financial resources for water and wastewater infrastructure needs. The board has approved over $7.3 billion in loans and grants for improvement plans throughout Oklahoma since 1983. The executive director of the OWRB, Julie Cunningham, thanked state government officials from the area for their support - State Sen. Grant Green and State Rep. Kevin Wallace.
“It is positive to see this funding going to crucial infrastructure in rural Oklahoma. These grants will pay dividends to the community of Carney for years to come,” said State Sen. Grant Green in the press release.
Rep. Wallace said he was excited about the many grant approvals in House District 32.
“These grants will not only improve the water delivery and wastewater treatment for the residents of the town of Carney, but also benefit other communities throughout the district,” Wallace said. “I am glad to have played a role in the funding and approval of these valuable projects as a member of the state ARPA committee.”