Community Development
Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP)
In 1996, legislators created the Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) program to provide funding assistance to rural areas in communities of less than 7,000 in population with priority placed on entity of 1,500 and below. These rural communities have few resources to meet the continuing and growing needs of their populace. Legislative intent was to increase the availability of capital and promote economic growth, community stability, and improve the quality of life. These rural communities have benefited greatly from such projects as street and utility system improvements, the purchase of updated fire fighting equipment, and the construction of modern community facilities.
Funds are allocated annually to the 11 regional Councils of Government throughout Oklahoma. For the southwest area of the state, applications are reviewed and funds awarded by the SWODA board of trustees. These trustees include representatives of municipal and county governments, conservation districts, and minority populations. SWODA serves as the administrator for the grants.
reap_CLAIM_DOCUMENT.pdfCommunity Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
This program has been a long-time mainstay for SWODA. CDBG money enables rural Oklahoma communities to finance a variety of public infrastructure and economic improvements and helps promote job growth as a result of these improvements. CDBG funds are provided by the federal government and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. With CDBG funds, SWODA has helped build and repair sewer and water systems, construct community centers, senior citizens centers, and fire stations. Fire trucks and ambulances have been purchased with CDBG funds as well.
Community Development Block Grant - Economic Development Infrastructure Financing (CDBG-EDIF)
Partial grant/partial loan program that provides public infrastructure financing to help communities grow jobs, enable new business startups and expansions for existing businesses.