Senator Hall, Representative Duel Secure $1.4 Million for Guthrie Water Projects

GUTHRIE – Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, today celebrated a $1.4 million investment to address critical water needs across Guthrie.

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board held a ceremony in Guthrie this morning to recognize this major investment in the community, which will help the city extend water lines and expand reliable water service to approximately 100 additional residents. Attendees at the event included Mayor Adam Ropp, City Manager Eddie Faulkner, Public Works Director Tenny Maker, Guthrie Chamber President and CEO Brittany Timmons and workers from the local water department.

Senator Hall and Representative Duel secured this funding through the legislative appropriations process. These specific dollars come from interest the state earned on the more than $1.8 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars received during the pandemic.

Senator Hall served on the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding, which led the Legislature’s efforts to review hundreds of public requests for ARPA funding to determine where the funds would have the biggest impact on the state.

“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, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, thanked Representative Duel and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for all their work to move this project forward.

“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."

The $1.4 million investment announced Monday is part of a broader effort by Oklahoma lawmakers and the OWRB to modernize and improve water infrastructure across the state, so all Oklahomans have consistent access to clean water and communities of all sizes are positioned for sustainable 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.”

During the 2026 legislative session, the Legislature included $45 million in new funding for low-interest municipal loans and Rural Economic Action Plan grants for water projects in the state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.