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Tuttle updates council on GMC Trust plan for joint storage, 24‑inch supply and asset valuation with Blanchard
Summary
Council heard a lengthy update on the Grady‑McClain (GMC) Trust’s proposal for a ~1,000,000‑gallon storage tank and future 24‑inch supply line to secure more water flow from Oklahoma City; staff presented engineer valuations showing Blanchard’s assets exceeded Tuttle’s by about $3.9 million, prompting debate over fair cost sharing and wheeling charges.
City leaders briefed the council on progress and open issues in the Grady‑McClain (GMC) Trust partnership between Tuttle and Blanchard to secure additional water capacity and storage.
Staff described a two‑step plan: (1) construct a roughly 1,000,000‑gallon storage facility near County Line/Highway 37 (engineer estimate: roughly $10 million), and (2) later install a new 24‑inch crossing tied to a large Oklahoma City transmission line to increase usable flow. An engineer’s inventory presented replacement‑value estimates that placed Blanchard’s contributing assets around $4.9 million and Tuttle’s at about $1.0 million — a reported difference near $3.9 million. Council members debated whether those replacement values fairly capture historical investment and the benefit Blanchard has realized from using the upsized 18‑inch line for years.
Council discussed structuring a fair partnership that recognizes unequal existing assets but preserves shared governance (the trust board is proposed as three representatives from each city). Options mentioned included temporary “wheeling” charges or other differential arrangements until a long‑term 24‑inch solution is installed. Staff also reported ongoing grant and federal funding outreach (Representative and Senator offices were referenced), timing uncertainties, and that the GMC’s work remains subject to each governing body’s approval of asset valuations and any final agreement.
Council did not take a vote but asked staff to continue negotiations, validate valuations, and return with recommendations; Blanchard was scheduled to consider the engineer’s numbers the following evening.
