September 21, 2022
Press Release
The Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding on Tuesday advanced a comprehensive slate of projects to the full Legislature for consideration in an upcoming special session.
The committee’s approvals, combined with previously approved projects, resulted in recommendation of over 60 projects totaling nearly all of Oklahoma state government’s $1.87 billion share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
“The effort put into this process by members of our working groups and the joint committee cannot be understated,” said Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. “There were a lot of late nights and early mornings as we worked through the over 1,400 submissions to decide which projects would benefit the most people in our state. I am confident that the projects advanced by the joint committee will have an immediate impact in areas that need assistance and we will see the dividends both now and in the future.”
Ultimately, the committee recommended proceeding with projects totaling about 10% of the $18 billion in requests contained in more than 1,400 submissions made through a public portal that was open from fall 2021 to March 2022.
“I applaud the members of the Senate and House who have undertaken this exhaustive process,” said Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee. “The joint committee has conducted itself in a transparent manner, in the best interest of the public. Whether it’s ensuring clean water for communities, undertaking the colossal broadband project or assisting those in need of mental health services these are all areas that we have prioritized and funded. These are projects that will improve the lives of Oklahomans for decades to come.”
For more than a year, subject matter working groups evaluated proposals by eligibility under federal law and priorities established by the joint committee in 2021. All working group recommendations were advanced by joint committee to the full Legislature.
“I am proud of the work that was done by all stakeholders during this lengthy process as the joint committee has recommended over 60 projects, out of over 1,400, for consideration by the Legislature,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. “We heard from the public, industry representatives and others as the working groups carefully decided which projects to advance. I am particularly proud that all areas of the state, both rural and urban, are receiving equal benefit with major projects. It is my hope that the results of this process will provide a benefit to our state for generations to come.”
Program areas and specific projects approved by the joint committee will now be placed into appropriations bills for consideration when the Legislature reconvenes the Second Extraordinary Session of the 58th Oklahoma Legislature, which was called for the purpose of evaluating ARPA projects advanced by the joint committee and matters of statewide economic development.
“The proposed projects address critical, immediate needs that were being unmet because of the pandemic,” said Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. “In addition to the positive, transformational changes this will have on the state, there is built in oversight, so Oklahomans can rest assured the money is going to go where it is meant to. Members of the legislature should be proud of this process and deserve a tremendous amount of credit for the way it was handled.”
Projects approved by the joint committee, both Tuesday and previously, include, among others:
Burns Flat Spaceport – $4.25 million for water and broadband needs for the space port and surrounding community.
Lake Lugert – $25 million to help finish out the closed lines that are needed to help mitigate water loss from the current open lines.
The House of Representatives will reconvene the Second Extraordinary Session of the 58th Legislature from Sept. 28 to 30 for consideration of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other funding advanced by the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding.
Got a news tip? Send it in: Email news@kecofm.com
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Relay for Life Fundraiser to be Hosted at SWOSU on April 26
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is hosting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the world’s largest fundraising event dedicated to helping communities in their fight against cancer, on Friday, April 26 from 6 p.m. to 11
Rep. Archer Talks House’s Proposed Budget
April 19, 2024 The Oklahoma House of Representatives rolled out their initial budget numbers earlier this week, which is a $12.6 billion appropriation to state agencies, programs and infrastructure.
High Speed Pursuit Ends in Beckham Co.
April 19, 2024 Multiple agencies from Oklahoma and Texas were led on a high speed pursuit Thursday that saw a Houston man arrested.
“All Clear” Given After Apparent Fake Bomb Threat at Elk City Middle School
April 17, 2024 Tense moments Wednesday afternoon after a bomb threat to the Elk City Middle School was made.
Elk City Man Injured in Dewey Co. Crash
April 17, 2024 An Elk City man was hospitalized Tuesday night after being involved in a one vehicle accident in Dewey County.
K9 Alerts Authorities to Fentanyl and Cocaine During Texas Traffic Stop
April 17, 2024 A man was arrested earlier this month in Shamrock, Texas after being discovered with fentanyl and cocaine.
SWOSU’s Dr. Tugba Sevin Named 2024 DaVinci Fellow for Language Initiative
April 17, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to announce that Dr. Tugba Sevin, Associate Professor in the SWOSU College of Arts and Sciences has recently been named the 2024 DaVinci Fellow
SWOSU Foundation, Inc. Awarded Heritage Preservation Grant
April 17, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to announce that the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) has awarded the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
Ellis Co. Man Dies in Monday Night Crash
April 16, 2024 A Gage man passed away Monday night after being involved in a two vehicle accident near Laverne in Harper County.
Man Accused of Vandalizing Home – Hitting Woman
April 16, 2024 A Sayre man was arrested earlier this month after he allegedly vandalized a home and punched a woman.
Adopt a Dispatcher
April 16, 2024 Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning reminds the public that there’s an easy way to show your appreciation to Beckham County dispatchers with this week being National Telecommunications and Communicators Week.
Storied Structure Helps Occupants Create Better Future
April 15, 2024 By Landry Brewer An old Elk City building has a new purpose.
Local Authorities Staying Sharp During Severe Weather Season
April 15, 2024 With spring storm season in full effect in western Oklahoma, one local sheriff’s office is staying sharp when they’re needed to accurately spot, track, and report when severe weather enters the area.
SWOSU Launches Pharm.D./MSHIM Dual-Degree Program
April 15, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to introduce the Pharm.D./Master of Science in Health Information Management (MSHIM) dual-degree program, which combines the Doctor of Pharmacy and master’s degree in health
February Sales Tax: I-40 Trio Up
April 15, 2024 The latest sales tax numbers have been released and western Oklahoma’s largest communities saw gains in collections when compared to the same time a year ago.
ECPS Partnering with Leadership Group
April 12, 2024 Elk City Public Schools has been selected to take part in a leadership program that, according to Superintendent Mike Sparks, will create more opportunities for the school district to build on success and continue
Excavation at New Fire Station Site Unearths Church Building Remnants
April 12, 2024 By Landry Brewer Dirt is being moved at the historic location for Elk City’s new fire station, and workers recently uncovered some of that site’s history.
Omar J. & Katie Rogers Scholarship Fund Established at SWOSU
April 12, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) with locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon has announced the establishment of the Omar J. & Katie Rogers Scholarship Fund.
Clinton Man Accused of Trying to Run Down Golfers
April 11, 2024 A bizarre story out of Custer County where a man was arrested after allegedly attempting to run over people while driving a vehicle near Riverside Golf Course in Clinton.
“Boots and Badges” Blood Drive Friday in Elk City
April 11, 2024 A special blood drive honoring a fallen firefighter is taking place tomorrow at the Elk City Fire Department.
40th Annual SW Farm & Home Expo This Weekend in Elk City
April 11, 2024 The 40th Annual Southwest Farm & Home Expo returns this weekend inside the Elk City Convention Center.
No Headlights Cause of Jackson Co. Wreck
April 10, 2024 A Weatherford teen was injured and hospitalized after being involved in a two vehicle accident last week in Jackson County.
Elk City High Fulfills “Oklahoma’s Promise”
April 10, 2024 According to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, seven high schools have been named “Oklahoma’s Promise 2023 State Champions,” leading the state in the number of graduates who met the requirements to receive
Trucker Charged After Hit and Run Incident in Beckham Co.
April 10, 2024 An arrest warrant has been issued for a California man after he allegedly sideswiped a parked pickup and camper trailer with his semi truck and trailer on the side of I-40 in Beckham County
Fire Crews Contain Elk City Apartment Fire
April 9, 2024 An apartment fire Monday afternoon in Elk City was contained to one unit.
