Oklahoma Water Resources Board

The board meeting agenda includes an executive director's report, a financial update, and considerations for financial assistance division items such as clean water and drinking water funding applications, and resolutions regarding financial assistance programs and ARPA funds. Additional business involves granting applications, well driller and pump installer licensing, dam and reservoir construction, floodplain administrator accreditation, and stream water permit applications. The board will also discuss contracts with USGS, hold an executive session to evaluate the performance and employment terms of the Executive Director, and conduct an election of officers.

The Board meeting focused on various financial and administrative matters, including the review and approval of drinking water and clean water revolving fund loan applications for municipal and public works authorities. The Board addressed groundwater permit applications and amendments, as well as determinations regarding the maximum annual yield for groundwater basins. Furthermore, the meeting involved the consideration of resolutions to authorize the issuance of revenue bonds to capitalize state revolving funds, facilitate the refunding of existing bonds, and approve associated bond-related documents.

The board meeting agenda covers several key operational and regulatory matters, including reports from the Executive Director and financial updates. The agenda includes consideration of financial assistance applications for water and wastewater funding, the authorization of various revolving fund revenue and refunding bonds, and the review of contracts and agreements related to professional, auditing, and investor support services. Furthermore, the meeting involves the consideration of numerous groundwater and stream water permit applications, well driller and pump installer licensing, dam and reservoir construction projects, and the cancellation of several water permits. The board will also deliberate on the updated maximum annual yield for the Beaver-North Canadian River Alluvium and Terrace groundwater basin.

This Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Intended Use Plan for State Fiscal Year 2027 outlines the Oklahoma Water Resources Board's strategy for providing renewable financing for wastewater infrastructure and polluted runoff control. The plan aims to protect the state's surface and groundwaters through low-cost financing for projects such as wastewater infrastructure improvements, green infrastructure, water efficiency initiatives, and non-point source control. Key objectives include securing capitalization grants, assisting borrowers with compliance, enhancing client support, maintaining the fiscal integrity of the fund, and supporting the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan. The strategy emphasizes a revolving fund model and strategic partnerships to continuously fund new projects and ensure a sustainable water future.

The Water Workforce Action Plan, developed through a multi-agency collaborative effort, addresses critical staff shortages in Oklahoma's water workforce. The plan's overarching goal is to identify and remove barriers to recruitment, training, and retention of employees, especially given that one-third of water and wastewater operators will be eligible to retire within 10 years and new technologies require specialized training. It focuses on three strategic areas: Attracting New Workers, Retaining Existing Workers, and Developing the Workforce, with specific actions outlined to ensure communities have safe drinking water and vital water services, protecting public health.