County and Municipal Government

The Oklahoma House of Representatives Appropriations & Budget Committee has approved legislation aimed at bolstering the Arkansas River Levees through the establishment of a revolving fund managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.  Senate Bill 1391, carried in the House by Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, paves the way for the creation of the Arkansas River Levee Improvement Revolving Fund under the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. If signed into law, the $50 million fund would be used to improve the 20 miles of levees along the Arkansas River.  Levees, which are used to prevent the overflow of rivers, play an important role in maintaining safety infrastructure and protecting homes, businesses, and people.  Sims said prompt action is needed to capture the $137.4 million in federal matching funds to repair and replace the levees along the Arkansas River in Tulsa County, which have been ranked in the top 5% most at risk for failure in the United States by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "To quote one of my favorite movies, Apollo 13, 'failure is not an option,'" Sims said. "We have to capitalize on the opportunity now to repair and replace this critical infrastructure that is well beyond its engineering design life." An estimated 10,000 people and over $2 billion in assets are protected by these levees. "To put that in perspective, 87% of Oklahoma towns are less than 5,000 in population," Sims said. "So failure could very well be the equivalent of wiping two Oklahoma towns completely off the map." SB1391 passed the House Appropriations & Budget Committee 34-0. The bill, which was authored in the Senate by Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, is now eligible to be heard on the House floor.

Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, released the following statement in response to opposition on House Bill 3758.  "House Bill 3758 prioritizes the safety of our children and proactively mitigates potential risks to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for students across Oklahoma. Creating a buffer zone between new correctional facilities and schools can reduce the likelihood of recently released individuals walking around our children's schools and playgrounds. It can also significantly lessen the chance of lockdowns interrupting classes when someone escapes from jail. "Opponents are reciting talking points that intentionally misrepresent the bill's effect. All Oklahomans should call for quick passage of House Bill 3758 to protect our children from potentially dangerous situations. My office door is open for anybody interested in discussing this legislation as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all Oklahomans."  HB3758 passed the House County and Municipal Government Committee unanimously on Monday. It is now eligible to be heard on the House floor.