City of Newcastle seeking citizen support for competitive grant program

Approximately two years ago, the City of Newcastle began engaging with the City’s engineer regarding the design and eventual construction of a new wastewater treatment facility to be located at NE 16th and Portland Avenue.  The new facility will be able to treat 1.5 million gallons of wastewater per day ensuring the City’s ability to continue serving existing residents as well as new development for many years to come.

The City of Newcastle has an opportunity to possibly receive grant funding to help offset some of the costs associated with this important and necessary project.  The Chickasaw Nation in conjunction with Indian Health Services provides funding through a competitive grant program for various infrastructure projects that will serve or improve services to Native Americans within the community.  The new wastewater treatment facility meets the criteria required to request grant funding.  However, participation is needed from Native American, Newcastle residents to assist the City in this endeavor.

Indian Health Services (IHS) requires the City of Newcastle to conduct a survey to obtain information related to the number of Native Americans residing in Newcastle who are served by the City’s wastewater treatment facility.  The City has a form available on our website, the water department, and at City Hall that requires only your address to be filled out. Residents are asked to please complete the form and return it to the City as soon as possible.  Residents of Native American descent completing the form do not have to have or present any documentation of tribal affiliation.   If you or anyone in your household are of Native American descent, your address is vitally important to this grant funding process.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeannette McNally at 387-4427.