Ochelata Utility Authority

PROJECT PURPOSE

This project is intended to position Ochelata for long-term growth and sustainability by addressing sewage and water infrastructure repairs and updates. Sewer infrastructure repairs and updates with help Ochelata address a Consent Order issued by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. The water infrastructure repairs and updates will help to continue delivering quality affordable water to over 420 residents and 7 businesses including an Elementary School.

EVIDENCE

Ochelata Utility Authority is under a consent order by DEQ currently. Cleaning and CCTV footage revealed cracked sewage lines. The economic impact has caused 8.5% of our residents to be 60-90 days behind on their bills. In 2020 customers were billed $7,200 in late fees. In the fiscal year 2020-2021, Ochelata spent $159,904.64 more than it brought in to start infrastructure repairs. A recent water loss report and the Washington Count Emergency Management Chief demonstrate the need to increase the size of waterlines for fire departments to use. See the link below. https://www.newson6.com/story/60fb16c49f92140bf23b339d/firefighters-to-monitor-hot-spots-after-major-fire-at-ochelata-wax-plant-

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Ochelata is comprised of 497 residents (per dataus.io): American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic) (16.5%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (9.46%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (1.61%), White (Hispanic) (0.805%) and White (Non-Hispanic) (71.4%). The median age is 35.7, 70 of which are Senior Citizens with upwards of 17 veterans, and 22% rent their homes. As of 2019 the average mean income per household was $45,500. Our community consists of three churches, four businesses and an elementary school for the Caney Valley Rural School District. According to the 2020 census, the population has decreased to 427 (16% decrease).

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Detailed progress updates will be delivered to the Ochelata Utility Authority's Board of Trustees at monthly meetings. Sewage Infrastructure progress data will be measured in daily, weekly and monthly testing at our waste treatment facility in accordance with DEQ standards and reported to DEQ. Water infrastructure performance will be measured though monthly comparison of gallons used to gallons billed and a semi-annual water loss reporting until ARPA funding has been exhausted.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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