The Oklahoma Rural Water Association and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality have launched a new Rural Infrastructure Grant (RIG) program to assist rural and small municipal water and wastewater systems to become sustainable.
The program offers up to $100,000 in funding per project funding 80-percent of the project cost. The other 20-percent must be matched by the system, either through dollars or in-kind contributions.
“The RIG program will help fill a void for small systems in order to make improvements that will help the long term sustainability of Oklahoma rural water,” said ORWA CEO, Jimmy Seago. “We are excited to partner with ODEQ and offer this program to our membership and fellow municipalities across Oklahoma.
“We appreciate the continued support of the Alliance partnership programs by the Legislature and Governor’s Office,” Seago said.
RIG is available to publicly-owned Oklahoma water and wastewater systems serving 3,300 or fewer people. Projects that can be considered for funding include:
- Engineering Work
- New and Existing Well Upgrades
- Hydrants
- Backup Power Generators
- Lift Stations
- SCADA Systems
- Billing Software and Systems
- Tank Rehabilitation
- Water Meters
- Financial Auditing
- Manhole Projects
- Smoke Testing
Grants are awarded based on merit, financial need and the impact the project will have on system sustainability.
“At a time when we are seeing increased federal investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, it is exciting to witness the Legislature and Governor investing in Oklahoma’s rural communities,” said DEQ Water Quality Division Director, Shellie Chard. “This grant program is another way DEQ and ORWA are working together to improve regulatory compliance and protect public health and the environment.”
For more information on the Rural Infrastructure Grant, visit orwa.org/rig.
The Oklahoma Rural Water Association was formed in 1970 and was the first of its kind, giving a voice for rural water systems and districts across the state. Today, ORWA represents more than 550 water and wastewater utilities, providing management solutions, training opportunities, serves as their legislative voice, and provides technical assistance to its membership. The ORWA works to meet the needs of its members, always working to provide the best and safest water supply to its customers. Learn more about ORWA at orwa.org.
