The Gore Public Works Authority will soon begin major improvements to its aging water infrastructure, thanks to a $1.41 million funding package approved Tuesday by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB). The package includes $800,000 in principal forgiveness, significantly reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

The funding, made available through the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), will help modernize the Authority’s surface water treatment plant and enhance overall efficiency of Gore’s water system.

“Our water plant is over 30 years old and needs the attention,” Gore Mayor Robin Henry said, who attended the OWRB meeting alongside Vice-Mayor Larry Pack, Public Works Authority Administrator Jeremy Lane, and Town Clerk Lisa Settlemyre. “Without this assistance there is no way we could start a project like this. On behalf of the Town of Gore, we thank you for this funding opportunity.”

Planned upgrades include replacing deteriorating valves and raw water piping, modernizing essential electrical and instrumentation components, and installing approximately 450 new automated water meters. These efforts aim to improve water quality, reduce system water loss, and ensure compliance with federal Surface Water Treatment Rules, which are designed to protect public health.

Senator Tom Woods (RWestville) praised the project as a critical investment in Gore’s future.

“With over $1.4 million in combined funding, these projects will rehabilitate Gore’s surface water treatment plant, modernize critical systems like valves and piping, and install 450 automated water meters,” Woods said. “These upgrades will ensure safe, reliable drinking water for the community and improve efficiency for years to come.”

The OWRB estimates the community will save approximately $1.4 million compared to traditional financing thanks to the favorable terms of the DWSRF loan. The loan will be backed by revenue from the Authority’s water, sewer, and sanitation services, along with a one-cent sales tax.

Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland) also voiced his support, calling the funding “a wise and appropriate use of resources.”

“I am so thankful that the OWRB has agreed to provide this greatly needed funding for the town of Gore, for something so essential as drinking water,” Olsen said.

Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB, and Rob Singletary, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), offered their thanks to Woods and Olsen for supporting the DWSRF program.

Since its inception, the DWSRF has provided approximately $2.4 billion in drinking water loans statewide. Overall, the OWRB has approved more than $7.9 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across Oklahoma since 1983.

These improvements mark a significant step toward securing Gore’s water future, ensuring residents and businesses alike can count on safe, reliable water for decades to come.