By DeAnna Maddox
DRUMRIGHT — The City of Drumright commission took several steps during their Jan. 12 meeting that focused on pursuing grant funding for infrastructure and public safety improvements.
Commissioners approved moving forward with a potential 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. City Managed Shawn Gibson indicated the grant application would seek funding for a new water well to support the city’s water system if awarded.
As part of the CDBG application process the commissions approved conducting an income survey to determine eligibility.
“INCOG request income survey for opportunity to apply for a grant for a new water well at the water treatment plant,” Gibson said He further explained commissioners decided the new survey being done would be contingent on whether a submitted exemption request to use a previous income survey was denied.
Commissioners also approved Resolution 26-01 which requests grant funding from the State of Oklahoma 911 Management Authority to support updates to the city’s 911 mapping system.
The resolution stated the update is “needed to meet the requirement of the State of Oklahoma Geographic Information NG911 and Addressing Standard”. The resolution is meant as a way for the Drumright 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) board to certify that local funding is available to meet the requirement of the grant revealing the Drumright PSAP will pay the full amount of the project up front and will be reimbursed by the state 911 Management Authority at a later time.
In addition to the grant-related actions commissioners also approved a $2,400 donation from Steve Croder with Little River Energy for the city’s Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year programs. A donation that is provided annually, according to Gibson. The donation contributes to an incentive program that helps the city with employee retention.