The city council of the City of New Cordell held a public hearing Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, in order to discuss the possibility of applying for a Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant from the Southwestern Oklahoma Development Authority. The grant, if awarded, would be used to replace the telemetry equipment in the city’s water wells.
The telemetry equipment currently in use by the city, according to city manager J.C. Moser, is so out-of-date that replacement parts have to be custom manufactured as they are no longer commercially available. This not only creates additional repair and maintenance expenses for the city, but also significantly adds to the time required for repairs and maintenance.
The telemetry equipment controls essentially all of the electronic and remote systems at the city’s wells and pump stations. It also controls the monitoring and water treatment systems and regulates the pressure at the pumping stations.
According to Moser’s report to the council, the system replacement will cost approximately $71,000. If the grant is awarded, the project would be subject to a competitive bid process, so the cost provided is only an estimate.
Moser recommended the city apply for $65,000 in grant funding instead of the entire $71,000 in order to maximize the city’s chances of being awarded the grant. SWODA grants are scored on a points basis, with grants being awarded based upon the highest number of points in descending order until the year’s funding is exhausted. Applications in excess of $65,000 are docked three points, so staying at or under that line will make the city’s application score higher.
The council voted unanimously to pursue the grant.