REAP Grants will fund infrastructure and economic development projects
Feb. 2, 2024 —The Town of Luther will benefit from three grant awards to address economic development and infrastructure improvements. The $250,000 award through the 2024 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) will fund three separate projects. The state grant program is administered by the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
Grant projects announced:
- Expanding Sewer System Infrastructure for Sustainable Growth (5th and Hogback) $99,999
- Assessing floodplain remapping for Route 66 corridor for economic development $50,000
- (via Oklahoma County District 3) Town of Luther Jetter, specialized plumbing equipment to clean pipes $95,000
In all, ACOG awarded $2.5 million in projects to 30 member entities in Central Oklahoma. The Luther Board of Trustees passed resolutions to apply for two projects, while Oklahoma County District Three submitted one on the town’s behalf. The grant applications were due last October, and approved at the February 2024 ACOG Meeting.
The Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) Grant Program is a point-based program designed to assist smaller communities that lack sufficient fiscal capacity. Priority is given to cities, towns, and municipalities with a population of less than 1,750 persons.
Expanding Infrastructure for Sustainable Growth: Sewer System Extension and Improvement Project
The project’s location is on SW 5th between Main Street/Hogback Road, extending south approximately 500 yards in an area where future development is planned.
The project will expand capacity for housing and commercial development: The primary objective of this project is to extend the existing sewer system, allowing for increased housing and commercial development within our town. This expansion is essential to accommodate our growing population and foster economic opportunities.
Assessing Floodplain Remapping for Route 66 Corridor Development
The Town of Luther’s project is for a comprehensive floodplain assessment along the Deep Fork River on Route 66, with the aim of asking FEMA for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) of the Special Flood Hazard Areas that include a Regulatory Floodway Section and a Without Base Flood Elevation designation. The areas have not been studied since the construction of the dam at Arcadia Lake in 1987, which altered the course of the Deep Fork River that flows eastward from the dam toward Luther. Upon consultation with professional engineers, the Town of Luther believes investment in the study will result in the ability to request a LOMR from FEMA to remove these areas from the existing floodplain and floodway. The revision could be remapped for development along the Rt. 66 corridor to open new opportunities for development and revitalization along this iconic American roadway.
