The Woods County Industrial Development Authority held a special meeting this past Thursday morning. WCEDC Executive Director Neal Williams joined Authority Chairman Rick Cunningham, Connor Martin and Melissa Fisher. Stan Kline and Randy McMurphy were absent.

The group started by approving the minutes from their September meeting and the finance report. On the balance sheet, as of Nov. 29 the total checkings/savings were $154,770.99 and total assets were $1,634,124.55. There were no outstanding bills that needed to be paid.

Next, Cunningham announced the following agenda item didn't apply anymore. That item was for a presentation from Kay Decker regarding using WCIDA as a pass-through agency for a potential Economic Development Authority grant funding for Freedom West Community Development Corporation's Legacy Project. It was determined that Freedom West is a qualified governmental entity, so no pass-through is needed.

Williams told the board there was not much to report on the Waynoka Incubator, except there may be someone looking, but nothing solid. He added that they had the structure winterized. There is still not an up-to-date survey regarding the airport project, but Cunningham mentioned he spoke to the City, who said they were hoping the airport survey could be performed simultaneously as some of theirs. He said he would follow up on that.

Williams, in his report, said that the out-of-state outfit he has been working with is in the process of moving here and may even close on a house mid-month.

He talked about the American Rescue Plan Act – the federal funds for water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. Municipalities and counties across Oklahoma are writing grants requesting infrastructure funding from the $1.9 billion given by the federal government to the State of Oklahoma. Williams said there are possibly four counties going in on the grantwriting together. The idea is that the more extensive populace would increase the chance of being approved. Those four counties are Woods, Alfalfa, Major, and Harper. NODA from Enid is helping with the process.

Williams said the water infrastructure in the area is from 50 to 80 years old. In addition, some of the water lines are asbestos cement piping. The Avard Regional Rail Park water infrastructure is a priority, too, he said.

Martin asked about the status of the arena project. Williams told him that they are still waiting to hear from the USDA.

Because this was a special meeting, a regular meeting will not be held next week.