Woods County Rural Water District #3

PROJECT PURPOSE

? With a water loss of 51% last year, Woods County Rural Water District #3 (WCRWD#3) is in desperate need of an updated water system to enhance the capabilities of their services. WCRW#3 will invest in their physical and digital infrastructure to expand by replacing 338 existing lines and adding 12 miles of lines, extending their service to the Avard Industrial Rail Park, and drilling wells for future water security. They will also upgrade their water meters to a telemetry system that allows employees to identify and control the water flow remotely, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. To upgrade and maintain the district?s water lines, pumps, and systems, they will purchase heavy equipment and new backup generators. These investments will build a stronger, more innovative economy for Woods County and Oklahoma.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

? Woods County has a major ag-centered economy. During the pandemic, 12 agriculture producers turned on their taps to water their animals because the ponds went dry due to extreme drought. They have a waiting list to add several more taps once these updates are done. Without WCRWD#3, agriculture producers would be forced to liquidate animals. When the pandemic started, many residents began working from home which required more water usage. WCRWD#3 raised the rates due to the increased demand and 44% water loss. Woods County is made up of rural Oklahoma towns. According to PNAS, rural town residents suffered ?significant impacts on health-related and economic dimensions of well-being,?? Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural America (nih.gov). With more demand for water and rising water rates due to increased annual losses, Woods County Rural Water #3 needs these updates to sustain their current water needs and to have the capabilities to add more taps as their population grows.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

? Project performance will be measured by reduced water loss (51% in 2021), the addition of residential and agricultural taps, the addition of Avard Industrial Rail Park, and increased revenue. They will also provide their customers with water security by drilling new wells, reducing water expenses. ? Woods County Rural Water District #3 is familiar with the Compliance and Reporting Guidance for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and understands our reporting responsibilities. All documents related to this project will be stored for reports. The reporting elements from the ARPA Reporting Fact Sheet will be used to report work completed on this project. All documentation will be kept, organized, and updated by the secretary and OEDA. They will complete the reports together, ensuring all required documentation is reported.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma