Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Commerce is a trusted government agency that partners with businesses and communities for strategic and sustainable growth and success, moving Oklahoma forward to becoming a top ten state. As a result of SB 1447 (2024 Oklahoma Legislative Session), Commerce has recently restructured to focus on two key areas of focus: Community Outreach & Revitalization Enterprise (CORE) and Economic Development, Growth & Expansion (EDGE).

Our job is to bring jobs, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

Oklahoma Route 66 Grant

The Project 66 Grant was created to support the revitalization of the Route 66 experience in Oklahoma. We are deeply committed to preserving the cultural heritage of this historic highway and fostering economic growth in the local communities it traverses. With this grant, the Commission aims to assist in undertaking impactful initiatives that will enhance the visitor experience, preserve historical landmarks and contribute to sustainable economic development along Route 66 in Oklahoma.

Units of general local government in Oklahoma seeking to plan and prioritize public infrastructure can use this program to fund comprehensive capital improvement planning. Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s CDBG CIP grants support inventorying government-owned assets, developing a five-year strategic capital plan, and placing assets on GIS mapping, which may benefit communities focused on public infrastructure upgrades.

Local governments in Oklahoma seeking to improve public infrastructure and support economic development can apply for the Community Development Block Grant Small Cities Program, offering approximately US $152,222. Grants from Oklahoma Department of Commerce help fund water and wastewater systems, fire protection, streets, senior centers, utility upgrades, accessibility improvements, and storm drainage projects in eligible small cities.

Eligible units of local government in Oklahoma can receive up to US $1,000,000 to finance public infrastructure that supports new or expanding industries and job creation. With a mission to bring jobs and economic prosperity, Oklahoma Department of Commerce provides rural communities with CDBG-EDIF funding for critical economic development infrastructure projects.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Here at the Department of Commerce, our job is to bring employment, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

P3 Pooled Finance Program

Allows communities to utilize the state’s Pooled Finance Program for infrastructure development

This Public-Private Partnership (P3) program facilitates local infrastructure development where there is also a benefit to for-profit companies. Infrastructure development can include any critical infrastructure identified by local government entities contributing to the competitiveness of the region’s economy and essential for government functions.

P3 for Education and Workforce Development

Workforce development and access to skilled labor are critical factors for Oklahoma's companies to be competitive in the marketplace and for the continued success of the state's economic development efforts. Workforce boards, CareerTechs, colleges and universities have access to various tools that can help them obtain the necessary resources to develop a skilled workforce.

One of these tools is Oklahoma’s Public-Private Partnership for Education, a Public-Private Partnership (P3) program, that facilitates industry workforce development where there is also a benefit to for-profit companies and is intended to enhance an industry’s competitiveness, enhancing the region’s and state’s economy.

Projects must begin within 6 months of application approval. Awarded funds will not cover 100% of project costs.

What are eligible projects?

Projects where a CareerTech, college or university is providing industry-focused training that must be developed collaboratively with employers in a common industry.

How may the training be delivered?

Workforce training/instruction may be delivered solely by the applying entity or in conjunction with other eligible entities, which may include entities subject to State Department of Education (K-12). For example, a CareerTech may collaborate with a K-12 institution to provide industry-specific skills training.

How does it work?

• For-profit entities in a common industry that would benefit from specific skills development can collaborate with an applying entity to identify the skills required, method of delivery and tools needed to provide instruction.

• The qualifying educational institution would be allowed to capture state withholding taxes associated with those for-profit companies for a defined term to assist with the costs of developing a program and delivering the instruction.

Uses of funds can include the below:

• Assist with construction/renovation; or
• Purchase machinery/equipment; or
• Purchase training program; or
• Hire instructors (contract basis)