Oklahoma Water Resources Board

PROJECT PURPOSE

Implement and administer 3 grant programs as described below: 1. Small community water/sewer grant program a. For communities with a population ? 7,000 b. For rural water districts with ? 2,300 non pasture taps c. Maximum grant = $500,000 d. Modeled after the Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) Grant that has been successfully implemented by OWRB since 1996. 2. Small community high hazard dam rehabilitation program a. For communities with a population ? 7,000 b. Maximum grant = $1,000,000 c. Modeled after FEMA?s High Hazard Potential Dam grant program that has been successfully implemented by OWRB since 2019 3. Mid to large community water/sewer grant program a. For communities with a population > 7,000 b. For rural water districts with > 2,300 non pasture taps c. Maximum grant = $2,000,000 (or 50% of the project cost, whichever is less) d. Modeled after the Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) Grant ranking structure to address affordability needs. These projects will help Oklahoma address critical infrastructure needs, with a priority on Oklahoma?s small and underserved communities, that lost critical revenues during covid, to protect human and environmental health of our rivers, streams, and lakes.

EVIDENCE

OWRB has a long history of administering grants and loans for water/sewer infrastructure projects. Small communities and rural water districts are generally not fiscally able to borrow funds for infrastructure and are in need of grant assistance. However, mid to large sized communities are also generally not considered for grant funding but often have huge needs that impact a large portion of the population. Water and Sewer infrastructure and Dams are critical infrastructure for public and environmental health and safety.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Within the 3 programs, as described, communities within any population would be eligible with a stronger emphasis on smaller communities. Access to safe and clean water and water storage is essential to Oklahomans in every community but often the most vulnerable populations are the ones in the smallest communities across the state with limited access to funding for critical capital improvements. However, the larger communities also serve vulnerable populations and disadvantaged areas within their communities. Therefore, OWRB has requested funding to address those communities as well with a cost-sharing requirement because they are generally in a better position to secure other funding. Furthermore, the effects of the pandemic, including financial capacity to rehabilitate or expand aging infrastructure due to the loss of sales tax revenue from business closures and increased costs of materials and construction.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

OWRB has financial controls, technical expertise, and processes in place to administer federal programs, oversee construction, and audit projects. The board has a long history of administering federal and state grants. Project performance is ultimately measured by successful construction and regulatory approval. The OWRB will oversee, facilitate, and document information on project management, pre-construction approvals by various regulatory agencies, bidding and contracting, site inspections, invoice compliance review, financial controls and project close out. Grant agreements with awardees will also be in place to help ensure compliance with requirements.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding