There are several needs that could be addressed in applying for Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grants, say Hennessey leaders.

“The town has two low-flowing fire hydrants on six-inch waterlines from Iowa Street south on Mitchell Road,” said Hennessey Town Trustee Bert Gritz at the board’s Thursday, Sept. 14, meeting.

“And, we need good-flowing eight-inch lines in that area, including Oklahoma Avenue, for better fire protection,” he said during discussion about a 2023-24 REAP grant application due Oct. 31.

“Also, the school wants to put more parking on Mitchell Road in front of the elementary school to the south,” Gritz. said. “And HPS Superintendent Jason Sternberger told me they’ll have to move the town’s waterlines in order to make the school’s cost feasible.

“If we could get a REAP grant for the waterlines,” he said, “the school board would be able to continue their plan to add more parking in front of the school buildings. It would also give extra parking for the sports complex across the street.”

Gritz suggested the town and school could join forces to get both projects done.

All trustees agreed it would be a good plan, and voted to submit their waterline plan for a REAP grant.

The vote was unanimous.

All trustees were present: President Clif Vogt, Vice President Harold Shaw, Trustees Bert Gritz, David Jones and Randy Bohnstedt. From the audience Northern Oklahoma Development Authority Grant Specialist Jennifer Firgard reminded trustees and staff that the deadline for the REAP grant is Oct. 31 so they need to start getting plans and costs.