Water and wastewater systems to be included in technical assistance from federal aid packages.
President Biden approved Governor Stitt’s request to declare a federal disaster exists in all 77 Oklahoma counties due to the historic winter storm, clearing the way for federal aid to be directed to the state.
FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency, which includes technical assistance for water system repairs.
“This federal assistance will go a long way to restoring the communities across our state who were impacted the most from these historic winter storms,” said ORWA Deputy CEO, Jimmy Seago. “We are thankful for Governor Stitt and Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment, Kenneth Wagner, for recognizing the critical role water infrastructure has on rural America, and are grateful for President Biden’s quick approval for the resources that will help restore our water systems.”
Seago said assistance will come from FEMA and that ORWA will be there to help guide systems through the process of applying for and obtaining assistance where needed.
“With the ratification of the Oklahoma Strategic Alliance together the ORWA, Oklahoma DEQ, Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment will help water systems navigate through the federal aid packages,” Seago said.
Additional information on federal assistance can be found on our website, orwa.org as it becomes available.
Read Governor Stitt’s full press release here.
For the latest information on the Oklahoma Rural Water Association, visit orwa.org.
— Written by JD Rosman
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.
