Town of Buffalo

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Town of Buffalo has identified several sections of sewer lines, within city limits, that need to be replaced. The town has been addressing the issue by replacing footage within the fiscal budget each year. During the pandemic, sewer repair was difficult due to employees on leave and COVID restrictions. To complete this project, Buffalo will replace the remaining sewer lines in multiple locations that benefit all residents. Buffalo?s clay and PVC sewer pipes are near the end of their expected life. The town will take advantage of this granting opportunity to invest in their sewer infrastructure to protect the well-being of their citizens and enhance their local economy.

EVIDENCE

The current clay pipe is nearing the end of its expected life. The Town of Buffalo will be forced to do these repairs in the next decade if they are not completed now. Buffalo?s ?sewer rat camera? shows areas where the pipe is deteriorating. ?As soil drifts, it puts stresses on the pipe wall, and brittle pipes tend to crack and split under those stresses. Once a sewer pipe starts leaking, the surrounding soil enters the pipe with any inflow, creating voids and uneven loads on the pipe. This can cause collapse.? https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water/infrastructure-funding/article/16193361/aging-pipe-proves-expensive-for-municipalities ?Underground PVC Pipe infrastructure contributes to water service affordability?? https://www.uni-bell.org/Portals/0/ResourceFile/pvc-pipe-longevity-report.pdf

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

About 20% of Buffalo?s population are elderly-four percent higher than the state average. Buffalo?s median income is almost $10,000 less than the rest of the state. Buffalo has been working to identify and replace the sewer lines to their most vulnerable populations including their hospital and extended care facility. With a disabled population that is double the state average, this task has been ongoing. Replacing the deteriorating sewer pipes now with this state funding opportunity will prevent the vulnerable populations from incurring expensive repair costs in the future. This will preserve the way of life for the rural town?s residents, making Buffalo an affordable place to live. In 2021, the William S. Key Correctional Facility in Fort Supply closed. They employed 140 people that live in the surrounding area including Buffalo. The Harper County hospital, located in Buffalo has lost about $10,000 per month of contracted services due to the closing. Please see attachment ?Correctional Facility Closing-Buffalo?.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by completing the found issues with the ?sewer rat? and receiving a clean inspection with future use of the camera. The city 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 town clerk and town administrator. Mareta Woodard, Consultant, and the town clerk 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