City of Thomas

PROJECT PURPOSE

The installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Administration (SCADA) system for our water and sewer systems at a total estimated cost of $299,730 which would require the City of Thomas to pay $224,730 and the remainder would be paid for through $75,000 REAP grant received through our local COG (SWODA). We're requesting $224,730 in additional ARPA funds to pay for this project. The project has gone through the bidding process with one bid received and is ready to be awarded when funds are available.

EVIDENCE

We are requesting the additional ARPA funds because the current ARPA funds are planned for use in other much needed wastewater projects. The SCADA system would be a great benefit to our public works authority and would utilize the latest technology while still maintaining excellent field operators, the SCADA would help detect the smallest of inconsistencies in day-to-day operations. In addition to advanced problem solving our water and wastewater systems with the SCADA would also be more energy-efficient with this automated system. Efficient and accurate automated monitoring is crucial to wastewater treatment facilities as problems such as overflows can result in EPA regulation violations and costly fines. In this scenario, an automated or cloud-connected SCADA system can alert operators to make repairs or changes to manage the flow of wastewater that needs to be treated. This is supported by Water Resources Alliance (Professional Water and Wastewater Operators Link = https://alliancewater.com/how-does-scada-help-water-and-wastewater-management/).

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Thomas is a rural community with 24.4% of the population for whom poverty status is determined (285 out of 1.17k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.3%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 35 - 44, followed by Males 35 - 44 and then Males 6 - 11 per DATAUSA ( Link = https://datausa.io/profile/geo/thomas-ok). Our community was very negatively impacted by the Covid pandemic with many people out of work which resulted in an increased poverty rate.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

We've been attempting to get grant assistance for more than five years for a SCADA System with several unsuccessful grant applications. If we're allowed these additional funds to install a SCADA System we will be able to electronically monitor all of our water and sewer system components and better monitor water loss and equipment efficiencies which result in long term cost savings and will be better for the environment.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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