City of Muskogee

PROJECT PURPOSE

The City of Muskogee water authority is responsible for the Haskell Pump Station that serves as the rural water pump for 2,275 customers in the Haskell and Boynton area. Located in Muskogee, it is the only water pump station servicing this area. At this time, the Haskell Pump Station is in critical need of refurbishment to continue to bring clean, safe drinking water to these communities that it serves. The pump station was built in 1975 and now operates at a high risk of failure due to its age, mechanical status, the presence of rust on station components and an increased population in the service area. The pump station consists of valves, pumps, electric motors, manifolds and a 12? asbestos cement pipe line, all of which are due for replacement. This is a critical need as the pump station is well beyond its life expectancy and these rural residents would be without water service in case of failure. The City of Muskogee has committed $150,000 toward this $750,000 project.

EVIDENCE

In 2017, the city contracted with Cowan Group Engineering to develop a water model of the city?s water system. The resulting report identified all current and upcoming repair, maintenance and expansion needs for the system. The pump station was built in 1975 and now operates at a high risk of failure due to its age, mechanical status, the presence of rust on station components and an increased population in the service area. Rehabilitation is a critical need as the pump station is well beyond its life expectancy and these rural residents would be without water service in case of failure.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Boynton and Haskell are both rural towns in Muskogee County with high poverty rates (Boynton at 25% and Haskell at 21.8%). As such, each town and its surrounding residents who receive water services from Muskogee have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. A study by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America released in Jan. 2021 revealed that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural populations have been severe, with significant negative impacts on unemployment, overall life satisfaction, mental health, and economic outlook. Often rural residents have fewer individual resources, access to services and, on average, are poorer and less educated. Additionally, many rural residents face barriers related to access to housing, transportation, food, and water that are safe, healthy, and affordable. These barriers can impact all residents, though they are particularly problematic for those already struggling financially. Haskell has approximately 2,000 residents with 73% White, 9% African American, 11% Native American, and 7% from two or more races. Boynton has approximately 250 residents with 55% of the residents Black; 27% White; 6% Native American; and 10% Two or More Races. Statistics reveal that poor minority populations have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance for the repair and rehabilitation of the Haskell Pump Station will be completion of the repairs according to schedule and within the established budget.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding