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storm drains

The heavy rains during recent weeks has put a strain on Henryetta's storm drainage system. In several areas, water has backed up threatening homes and flooding yards and streets.
Inspection of some of those drains has revealed the drain openings have either been completely or partially covered by roadway asphalt while others are clogged with dirt, sand and gravel accumulating over the years.
Some of those drains channel the water into clay tile pipes that were orginially laid down some 50 years ago. Many of those pipes have broken and caved in leaving the water with no place to go.
Henryetta is not alone in this issue with other communities across Oklahoma and the United States facing deteriorating infrastructure.
Just on wastewater and storm water issues along, the EPA estimates $271 billion is needed for wastewater infrastructure over the next 25 years. While the federal government provides some funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), according to the U.S. Conference of Mayors 95% of spending on water infrastructure is made at the local level.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers Oklahoma received a D+ grade on the condition of water and wastewater systems across the state.