Oakland Upgrading Water Meters With Grant Funds
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Workers with Heartland Construction Group install new water meters in Oakland as part of a town-wide upgrade funded through federal infrastructure grants.
OAKLAND – Residents in Oakland are getting new water meters. The project is funded through the Municipality and County Water Infrastructure Grant Program Act of 2022. These funds were made available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) and awarded to the State of Mississippi by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) received authority to distribute the funds through Senate Bill 3056, passed during the 2022 Regular Legislative Session. These funds are designated to support critical local infrastructure projects that improve water, sewer, and community services.
The new system allows water usage to be read remotely, reducing the need for manual readings and lowering operating costs. Oakland residents will benefit from more accurate billing, quicker billing cycles, and the ability to detect leaks or unusual usage early, helping to prevent costly surprises on water bills, according to Mayor Stephanie Patterson. These meters will also help the Town reduce water loss and better manage resources. Replacing all residential and commercial meters will help the Town bill for actual water usage.
Installation is underway and scheduled to be completed by September 25 and is being done by Heartland Construction Group from Pearl, MS.
“We are excited about this project. It might not be the most eye-catching project but having the right infrastructure in place to support the growing needs for our residents and business is important. These meters will make a lasting impact for both our Town and our citizens. We thank the community for their patience during installation and look forward to the long-term benefits these improvements will bring,” said Mayor Patterson.
