City leaders, state lawmakers, and officials with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board gathered inside Guthrie City Hall on Monday morning to celebrate a $1.4 million investment aimed at improving the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure.
The funding was secured by Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, through the state legislative appropriations process and will help address critical infrastructure needs as Guthrie continues to grow.
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board hosted the ceremony recognizing the investment, which comes from interest earnings generated from more than $1.8 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds Oklahoma received during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hall, who serves as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and previously served on the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding, said investments in water infrastructure are essential to economic development.
“Nothing grows in Oklahoma without water,” Hall said. “That’s just as true for crops as it is for small businesses and local neighborhoods. Investing now in Guthrie’s water and wastewater systems lays the groundwork for continued economic growth that will pay dividends later.”
Hall thanked Duel and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for helping move the project forward.
Duel said the funding will provide long-term benefits for both residents and businesses.
“Guthrie’s growth depends on the foundational infrastructure that makes our community livable,” Duel said. “These funds will make a real difference for families and businesses who rely on dependable water and wastewater systems every day. I’m grateful to the OWRB and Senator Hall for their partnership in delivering these resources to our district.”
Guthrie City Manager Eddie Faulkner thanked the state lawmakers, but also gave his thanks to Public Works Director Tenny Maker, Line Maintenance Superintendent James Hoel, and the line crew members for their devotion to help secure the funding.
“This funding will directly benefit more than 100 residents in our community for water infrastructure that has not seen upgrades in decades,” Faulkner said to begin the ceremony.
He added, “infrastructure projects like these are not always visible, but they make a tremendous difference in the daily lives of our residents.”
According to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, the investment is part of a broader statewide effort to modernize aging infrastructure and ensure communities have reliable access to clean water while positioning cities for future growth.
“This investment is the result of strong local leadership and a shared commitment to building resilient, reliable water and wastewater systems,” said OWRB Executive Director Julie Cunningham. “We appreciate Senator Hall and Representative Duel for championing these investments in the community and helping secure the resources necessary to support long-term economic growth and quality of life.”
The announcement comes as lawmakers approved an additional $45 million during the 2026 legislative session for low-interest municipal loans and Rural Economic Action Plan grants to support water infrastructure projects across Oklahoma beginning July 1.
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