The state Legislature appropriated $14 million from the ARPA-SLFRF for this project, which will address needed maintenance of the City of Inola’s existing wastewater line and develop the new Tulsa Port of Inola to create a centralized wastewater treatment facility and discharge point. The project is slated to provide a modern and sustainable wastewater treatment system for the Tulsa metro area that ensures enough capacity for adequate and resilient service for current residents and the area’s potential growth. Additional funding was provided through the OWRB Tribal Matching Fund, Muscogee Creek Nation, Rogers County ARPA-SLFRF and other sources. This is one of nine ARPA-SLFRF projects under the direction of the OWRB to transform water and wastewater infrastructure across the state.
“I’m thankful for the investment being made in the Port of Inola project,” said Sen. Julie McIntosh, R-Wagoner. “This will be instrumental in modernizing our infrastructure and fueling economic growth in the Tulsa metro area. With moneys allocated to develop a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility and implement critical system upgrades, this investment is set to drive expansion and create new job opportunities.”
“The people of Oklahoma deserve infrastructure that is modern, resilient and capable of supporting both our communities and our economy,” said Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola. “This investment ensures the Port of Inola project delivers just that by addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges and laying the foundation for growth in northeast Oklahoma. Projects like this demonstrate our commitment to transparency, effectiveness and responsible stewardship of federal relief funds to create real, lasting benefits for Oklahomans.”
The Tulsa Port Authority will use the pandemic relief funds to transition Inola’s current wastewater treatment system from a lagoon system to a treatment plant at the Port of Inola, a proposed 2,200-acre industrial park, providing more efficient capacity for all water from the city and port. Additionally, it will provide adequate treatment for wastewater, effectively meeting environmental water quality standards, before it is discharged into the Verdigris River.
With a population of approximately 1,800 people, the Inola project is anticipated to positively impact the rural communities disproportionality impacted by infrastructure deficiencies and job availability during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Rogers County Port Authority, the Tulsa metro area lost 20,000 manufacturing jobs and 60,000 retail and hospitality jobs to the pandemic. By improving this critical infrastructure, the Port of Inola project aims to reverse these losses and create new opportunities for businesses and workers alike.
The sustainability of Inola and the Tulsa metro area relies on resilient wastewater infrastructure for public health, as well as pandemic-proof infrastructure to support jobs in critical industries like manufacturing. The American Rescue Plan Act serves to alleviate the harms caused to communities across the country in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The act allowed states to tackle both the negative impacts to the economy, as well as support investments into vital water infrastructure projects. The Port of Inola project addresses the needs of the community by bolstering both critical infrastructure and economic recovery.
“Strong communities and are built on strong infrastructure, and the Port of Inola project exemplifies the progress that is possible when leaders at all levels work together,” said Julie Cunningham, executive director of OWRB. “We especially appreciate the governor and state legislators for their continued commitment to investing in reliable water and wastewater systems that are the foundation of economic growth and long-term prosperity, and we look forward to the lasting opportunities this project will bring to Oklahomans across the entire region.”
With all appropriate funds now disbursed to the OWRB, this project is moving forward and is slated to be completed by October 2026, bringing the Tulsa metro area closer to a stronger, more resilient future. For more information, check out the OWRB ARPA webpage.
About OMES
The Office of Management and Enterprise Services provides financial, property, purchasing, human resources and information technology services to all state agencies, and assists the Governor’s Office with budgetary policy matters. Our mission: Provide excellent service, expert guidance and continuous improvement in support of our partners’ goals. For more information, visit oklahoma.gov/omes.
About the OMES Grants Management Office
The Grants Management Office is the central administering entity of the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for the State of Oklahoma. Our team builds partnerships and collaborates with state agencies in the use of ARPA-SLFRF dollars. Our goal is to be a supportive partner to agencies to help them accomplish their ARPA-SLFRF project goals. For more information on the state’s ARPA-SLFRF progress, visit oklahoma.gov/arpa.
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