Oklahoma conservation commission for the fourche maline site 7M DAM rehabilitation project in latimer county, oklahoma, under the watershed rehabilitation program

The Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service awarded the State of Oklahoma Conservation Commission $7.934 million under the Watershed Rehabilitation Program (CFDA 10.916) on June 23, 2026, for comprehensive rehabilitation of the Fourche Maline Site 7M Dam in Latimer County, Oklahoma. The award funds engineering assessments, design services, environmental evaluation, and construction implementation to extend the dam's life and bring it into compliance with applicable safety and performance standards. Performance will occur in Oklahoma City with ultimate completion by June 1, 2028. The Watershed Rehabilitation Program provides technical and financial assistance to restore dams originally constructed with USDA Watershed Program support, contingent on favorable benefit-cost analysis, current operation and maintenance of the existing structure, and local sponsor commitment to long-term project stewardship including land rights acquisition, permitting, cost-share contribution, and perpetual maintenance authority.