Oklahoma National Stockyards

PROJECT PURPOSE

For over 112 years, the Oklahoma National Stockyards has provided livestock marketing service for the nations cattle producers as well as employed thousands of hard working individuals. Almost one million head of cattle have been marketed since 2019, and tourism has surpassed 300,000 individuals, even through the pandemic. While located in an unincorporated area, the City of Oklahoma City carries the DEQ discharge permit, and we are in need of upgrading the sewer infrastructure to reduce the strain on Oklahoma City's sewer system. This innovative system of diverting waste, pretreatment of water, and recycling it back into the cattle pens for dust control and drinking water, will provide sustainability for not only the Stockyards, but the community itself. With an annual payroll of $1.5 million at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, we anticipate that once this system is complete, additional economic development will occur. Approximately ten jobs will be created with the project alone, and by correcting the current sewer issue, we anticipate development of a hands-on ?Ag Lab? for tourists and the community at large.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Utilizing four zip codes that are directly affected by the current sewer system, the surrounding community has an average income per household of $28,435 and a median home value of $56,200. This community has completed a Master Plan for Revitalization, however, the infrastructure is over 100 years old. By containing and reducing the outflow at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, the load will be reduced in the community's sewer system allowing the city to address the needs of residents. Moreover, approximately 10,000 customers sell cattle at the Oklahoma National Stockyards each year. These producers are located all across the United States and use the proceeds from their sales to invest in their own communities. The effects of the pandemic will be experienced for quite some time, and with inflation, the higher market offered here allows more flexibility for needed resources for these customers. Additionally, the sheer amount of commerce performed at the Oklahoma National Stockyards provides a trickle down effect with fuel taxes paid by truck drivers and customers spending money in Stockyards City, thus ensuring jobs remain in the area.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by outflow into the City's sewer system with the current meter, and an additional meter that measures treated water back into the pens.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding