In a recent special meeting, the City Transit Trust approved an agreement with Lawton Public Schools (LPS) to provide free transit services to students and staff, contingent upon presenting an LPS photo ID. This annual agreement has been a significant success, with ridership numbers approaching pre-COVID levels, indicating a growing reliance on public transit among the school community.

The meeting also addressed the Lawton Water Authority's pursuit of two substantial grants from the Bureau of Reclamation's Water Smart program, totaling up to $13 million for drought assistance and alternate water supply initiatives. The first grant, worth $3 million, requires no matching funds, while the second grant of $10 million may necessitate a maximum of 25% matching funds. The board unanimously approved the resolution to apply for these grants, which are aimed at alleviating costs associated with water supply projects.

Additionally, the Lawton Water Authority discussed a resolution to incur indebtedness through the issuance of a line of credit note, not exceeding $10 million. This funding is intended to cover closure and post-closure costs for the city's landfill facilities, as mandated by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. The resolution includes provisions for waiving competitive bidding and establishing a sales tax agreement to secure the necessary financing.

Both initiatives reflect the city's commitment to enhancing public services and addressing environmental challenges, with unanimous support from board members signaling a collaborative approach to these pressing issues.