In the northeastern part of Oklahoma, near the western edge of the Cherokee Nation, is the small town of Hulbert. This rural community, part of the larger region known as Green Country, is approximately 15 miles southwest of Tahlequah, the county seat of Cherokee County and the capital of the Cherokee Nation.

Here, the Cherokee County Rural Water District #12 (RWD #12) diligently serves its residents.

Established in April 1992, Cherokee RWD #12 was formed to provide quality water to the district’s consumers. For over three decades, it has been the lifeline for 91 connections in the community, ensuring a consistent and safe water supply. The district is now embarking on significant upgrades to its water system, a testament to its commitment to sustainability and service excellence.

The current project involves constructing a new chlorination building and updating the chlorination system. This upgrade is not merely a routine improvement but a crucial step to ensure the long-term viability of the water supply.

Regulatory requirements have necessitated the addition of security fencing and the installation of larger pipes from the wells to the chlorination system and into the tower. Moreover, the district must replace its emergency generator to align with the new pumps and technological advancements, ensuring consistent power and efficient operations.

DeWayne Smoot, the chairman of Cherokee RWD #12, has been at the helm of these efforts. Smoot’s journey with the district began in 2019 as a volunteer board member. Within two years, he stepped up as chairman when the previous chairman resigned due to health reasons. His leadership has been instrumental in securing funding and driving the project forward.

“We had received $100,000 in grant funds from a program by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA),” Smoot said. “It was funding from the bipartisan infrastructure, and we had that available. But, due to supply chain issues and escalated prices, the actual costs were higher than our engineer had estimated. We needed additional money to fill the gap.”

The gap was filled through a fortunate connection made at a water road show, where various Oklahoma agencies, including the Community Infrastructure Team at Communities Unlimited (CU), presented funding opportunities. There, Smoot connected with CU Senior Community Environmental Management Specialist Julie Hudgins.

“Working with CU was easy,” Smoot said. “I got brochures and more information from their website, made a telephone call, and the ball got rolling.”

Hudgins assisted Smoot with a CU loan application and the resolution for a loan. She also communicated with the CU Lending Team, providing updates on the project needs. CU’s support, coupled with a loan of $190,000 from their Lending Team and Senior Economic Development Lender Chris Ranniger, enabled the project to proceed smoothly. Cherokee County RWD #12 will use the funds to assist with construction and engineering costs.

The construction of the new chlorination building is well underway. “We’ve got the foundation and the slab poured and hope to get some walls up by the end of next week. We’re moving right along,” Smoot reported.

The upgrades being implemented are not just about maintaining the status quo but about ensuring a sustainable and efficient water system for future generations. “Our long-range planning and sustainability program is about improving and modernizing the system for all of our members,” Smoot said. The project also aims to provide safer working conditions for those tasked with daily maintenance and operations, increase system efficiencies, and ensure the community continues to receive safe drinking water.

For DeWayne and the board members of Cherokee RWD #12, this project is a labor of love and a commitment to their community.

“It’s great to be a part of that for our community, to improve what was given to us, and to carry that on,” Smoot said.

His experience working with CU was easy.

The improvements being made today will ensure that the residents of Hulbert, Oklahoma, continue to enjoy a reliable and safe water supply for decades to come.