Rural Economic Action Plan Grant Program

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board Rural Economic Action Plan Grant is a state-administered funding program designed to support small and rural communities in improving essential water and wastewater infrastructure. Administered directly by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, the program focuses specifically on projects that enhance drinking water systems and wastewater treatment capabilities. The program is intended to provide financial assistance to communities that lack sufficient local resources to address infrastructure deficiencies, while also promoting long term sustainability, financial responsibility, and operational readiness. The program operates separately from other regional REAP funding initiatives and distributes funding through regional Councils of Governments, limiting competition to entities within each assigned region. The primary objective of the grant is to improve public health, safety, and economic stability through reliable utility systems. Eligible projects typically include water line replacement or expansion, sewer system repair, wastewater system upgrades, and other infrastructure improvements that enhance system reliability. The program emphasizes not only immediate infrastructure needs but also long term planning, requiring applicants to demonstrate fiscal sustainability and responsible management practices. Funding may be used in conjunction with other funding sources for larger projects, and engineering services directly related to project completion are also eligible. Eligibility is limited to rural Oklahoma communities with populations of 7000 or fewer or systems with limited service connections. Applicants must be recognized public entities such as municipalities, public trusts, or rural water districts. The application process requires extensive documentation, including a completed application form submitted through the OWRB portal, an engineering report outlining project scope and costs, a fiscal sustainability plan, a recent audit, organizational documentation, and a formal resolution authorizing the application. A verification form signed by both the governing authority and legal counsel is also required to confirm eligibility and accuracy of the submission. The application cycle opens annually on July 1 and remains open until the first business day of September. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparation well in advance, as successful applications require coordination with engineers, governing boards, and financial personnel. Early submission is strongly recommended to allow time for review and correction of any deficiencies before the deadline. Applications must be complete at submission, as additional documentation is not accepted after the deadline unless specifically requested by program staff. Applications are evaluated through a competitive scoring system that considers factors such as population size, rate study recency and compliance, financial performance metrics, local funding participation, community economic indicators, and the amount of funding requested. Additional points may be awarded for addressing regulatory compliance orders or benefiting other utility systems. The scoring process is designed to prioritize projects that demonstrate both need and readiness while ensuring responsible use of public funds. After submission, applications undergo a detailed review by grant analysts to verify completeness and accuracy. Applicants may be contacted for clarification during the open period. Completed applications are ranked within their regional Council of Governments, and funding is awarded based on ranking and available state appropriations. Projects that are approved move into a structured implementation phase, including board approval, contract execution, engineering oversight, and strict compliance with procurement and financial management requirements. Most projects are expected to be completed within six to nine months following approval, with a maximum completion timeframe governed by state regulations. The program is offered on an annual recurring basis and includes ongoing support from OWRB staff, including workshops, webinars, and direct technical assistance. While no single named contact is specified, applicants are encouraged to engage with grant analysts and program staff throughout the process for guidance. The overall goal of the program is to strengthen community infrastructure, reduce financial burdens on local systems, and build long term capacity for sustainable water and wastewater management.

Submit early to allow review time; ensure all documents are complete and consistent; coordinate closely with engineer and governing body; attend workshops for scoring insight