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Welcome to the latest newsletter from the OWRB FAD!
Between national recognitions, groundbreakings, approved funding and upcoming information sessions, it has been a full month of celebrating this year's wins while laying the groundwork for even more financing opportunities in FY 27.
Check out everything we have been up to and stay informed on the latest financial assistance updates through this month's newsletter.
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OWRB Accepts EPA's 2026 CWSRF State Excellence Award at CIFA Summit
OWRB FAD with the 2026 CWSRF State Excellence Award.
The OWRB was recognized as a recipient of the inaugural Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) State Excellence Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the 2026 Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities (CIFA) Summit on Water Infrastructure in Washington, D.C.
The EPA launched the State Excellence Program this year to honor exceptional CWSRF program performance at the state level, putting a spotlight on the impact outstanding financial and program management has in funding water infrastructure projects.
These awards are only possible through the trust put into us by local water utilities. Thank you for your continued partnership – we are honored to serve you and the communities supported by the essential work you do.
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Securing Oklahoma's water future starts with the PPL.
 Planning for future wastewater or water quality improvements starts with the Project Priority List (PPL).
The PPL is a comprehensive planning document that allows the OWRB to clearly demonstrate Oklahoma’s infrastructure improvement needs to state and federal leaders. By joining the PPL, you secure your project’s eligibility for CWSRF funding and loan forgiveness without any obligation to move forward.
Whether your project is in early design or ready for construction, listing it now ensures you're prepared for success while helping us secure more resources for the entire state.
Learn more about CWSRF opportunities here, or fill out the PPL request form to ensure your project is eligible for upcoming funding opportunities in FY 27.
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Join us for these upcoming webinars:
 More REAP funding is coming in FY 2027.
We are happy to announce that our Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) Grant Program has received a record $10 million in additional funding from the Oklahoma Legislature in the FY 2027 State Budget!
In light of this additional funding, we are making some changes to the REAP rules and including new requirements in the application process. We encourage you to join us for two webinars covering these changes and all the information you need to successfully submit a REAP Grant application:
For more information on REAP eligibility, restrictions and further guidance, check out the Rural Economic Action Plan Grants page on the OWRB website.
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Breaking ground: A $3.1 Million water project begins in Logan County
Representatives from the OWRB and the ODEQ, the District's Board of Directors, Senator Grant Green and neighborhood residents break ground on the District's service area expansion.
This month, the OWRB and Logan County Rural Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Management District No. 1 hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to launch a critical infrastructure project that will restore safe drinking water to dozens of Oklahoma families.
The project, funded by a $2 million Progressing Rural Prosperity (PREP) Grant and $1.1 million in DWSRF Loan Forgiveness, marks the expansion of the District’s service area into southern Logan County. By installing over 44,000 linear feet of new water lines and modern metering systems, the District will provide a permanent, clean water source for more than 70 residences whose private wells have been rendered unsafe by contamination.
For more information on this project and the funding behind it, check out the full press release on the OWRB website.
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Don't miss our last FLOW Webinar of FY 26!
Building on our strategic planning session in March, the OWRB is excited to host our next FLOW workshop: "Effective Communication and Decision-making Strategies for Small Water Systems."
This webinar will demonstrate how to improve staff participation and create a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute to the decision-making process. It’s a free investment in supporting your team’s morale and building a successful future for your water system.
Join us and our partners from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center on Tuesday, May 12, from 1-2 p.m. as we explore the impact communication strategies can have in developing a safe, adaptive workplace. Access the Zoom link and register today through the button below!
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 The OWRB is partnering with the Environmental Finance Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to build a water rates dashboard for Oklahoma utilities. To assist with its creation, representatives from both the OWRB and the EFC at UNC-Chapel Hill are reaching out to water professionals via email for information to support the functionality of this dashboard.
For questions or more information about the rates dashboard, contact OWRB Planning Engineer Zachary Bradley, P.E. at zachary.bradley@owrb.ok.gov.
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 During our March Board meeting, the OWRB approved over $6 million in funding to support critical water projects statewide. These investments allow seven Oklahoma communities to modernize aging systems, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide more reliable water service to residents.
The OWRB has approved more than $8.6 billion in loans and grants to support vital water infrastructure, saving communities across Oklahoma over $2.6 billion.
Here are the projects that were approved at the March 2026 Board Meeting:
 Midwest City Municipal Authority | Total Approved Funds: $1,811,000.00
 Logan County Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 1 | Total Approved Funds: $1,140,518.00 with 100% in loan forgiveness
Seminole Municipal Authority | Total Approved Funds: $1,738,145.89 with $1 million in Principal Forgiveness
 LeFlore County Rural Water District No. 17 | Total Approved Funds: $1,150,000.46
 Buffalo Public Works Authority | Total Approved Funds: $99,999.99
Depew Public Works Authority | Total Approved Funds: $95,240.00
Tupelo Public Works Authority | Total Approved Funds: $99,999.00
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Durant City Utilities Authority
 Pictured from left to right: City Manager Pam Polk, OWRB Loan Analyst Traci King, City Council Member Humphrey Miller, City Council Member Danny Sherrer and Vice Mayor Mike Simulescu.
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Double the funding means double the impact. We're so happy to present the Durant City Utilities Authority with two Financial Assistance Program (FAP) Loans totaling nearly $50 million to improve water and stormwater infrastructure!
The first loan, totaling $15.6 million, will upsize drainage structures to reduce flooding risks and improve community resilience. The second loan, totaling $34.1 million, will support water distribution system upgrades, increase total capacity, and ensure reliable water service that matches and supports future growth. |
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Mustang Improvement Authority
 Pictured from left to right: Ward 1 Councilman Billy Reddick, Ward 5 Councilwoman Kayla Balliew, Ward 2 Councilman Josh Leete, Ward 3 Councilman James Wald, Mayor Michael Ray, Ward 4 Councilman James Waugh, Finance Director Kelly Walbaum, Project Manager David Russell and OWRB Loan Analyst Tim Davis.
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When the Mustang Improvement Authority conducted a utility audit, they discovered most of their water meters had run the course of their useful life span. This $6.1 million Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan will allow Mustang to upgrade to an automatic meter infrastructure (AMI) system, reducing overall water loss and getting rid of manual meter reading altogether.
From Mayor Michael Ray: "This project represents our commitment to responsible stewardship of our water resources and to providing efficient, modern services for our community. We are proud to partner with the OWRB and thankful for their assistance in securing the funding for this project." |
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Minco Municipal Authority
 Pictured from left to right: OWRB Loan Analyst Traci King and Minco City Clerk Brenda Pitcher.
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Congratulations to the City of Minco on securing $800,000 in loan forgiveness funding for local water infrastructure improvements!
This milestone highlights the City’s proactive efforts to maintain a resilient water system for its citizens. The OWRB is pleased to support these improvements through the DWSRF, a program co-managed by the OWRB and ODEQ to provide Oklahoma communities with accessible funding for vital water infrastructure projects. |
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OWRB FAD Chief Lori Johnson participates in a panel discussion at the 2026 CIFA Summit.
Questions or concerns? Reach out to FAD@owrb.ok.gov!
Visit our website for more information OWRB FAD programs and resources.
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