Rural Infrastructure Grant (RIG) Program

Funder: Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA)

Grant program to assist rural and small municipal water and wastewater systems become sustainable. The program funds 80% of eligible project costs with a required 20% match from the system (dollars or in-kind contributions).

Geographic Scope: Oklahoma

Eligibility:

• Publicly-owned water and wastewater systems
• Systems serving 3,300 or fewer people
• Oklahoma-based systems

Eligible Projects:

• Engineering work
• New and existing well upgrades
• Hydrants
• Backup power generators
• Lift stations
• SCADA systems
• Billing software and systems
• Tank rehabilitation
• Water meters
• Financial auditing
• Manhole projects
• Smoke testing

Award Criteria: Grants awarded based on merit, financial need, and the impact the project will have on system sustainability

Key Information:

• Program launched August 2022
• 80% grant funding / 20% local match requirement
• Can be used for emergency infrastructure repairs (including emergency dam repairs)
• Expedited process available for emergency repairs

Contact Information:

• ORWA: 405-672-8925
• office@orwa.org
• Website: orwa.org/rig

Application Process

1. Verify eligibility (publicly-owned system serving 3,300 or fewer people)
2. Identify eligible project
3. Prepare application materials including:
   • Project description and specifications
   • Cost estimates and engineering work (if applicable)
   • Financial need documentation
   • Sustainability impact assessment
   • 20% local match commitment (cash or in-kind)
4. Submit application to ORWA
5. Applications reviewed by RIG Grant Committee based on merit, financial need, and sustainability impact
6. Expedited process available for emergency situations

Contact: ORWA at 405-672-8925 or office@orwa.org for application details and guidance