Oklahoma Gov. Henry Creates Oversight Panel on Stimulus Funds

March 11, 2009 -- Oklahoma City — Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry today announced the creation of a state coordinating council to help oversee Oklahoma’s use of federal stimulus funds.

In an executive order signed today, the governor formally established the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Coordinating Council. The panel includes state agency and executive branch leaders who have already been working on various aspects of Oklahoma’s stimulus response.

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“We’ve been working on Oklahoma’s role in the stimulus package for many weeks now, but I felt it was important to formalize the process and create an official entity to ensure that every base is covered and every stimulus dollar is used in the most effective and efficient manner possible,” said Gov. Henry. “The council will help keep the public informed about the process and interact with legislative leaders and other stimulus stakeholders as federal funds are received and allocated to important projects.”

Under the executive order, Gov. Henry serves as chairman of the ARRA Coordinating Council. The panel includes several members of the governor’s cabinet, statewide elected officials and key state agency leaders who oversee entities that are designated to receive or administer stimulus funds or grants. The order directs council members to work with legislative leaders and all stakeholders in the public and private sectors to identify stimulus opportunities and requirements. It also mandates rigorous monitoring, oversight and public disclosure of stimulus expenditures.

Earlier this month, the governor appointed State Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage to review, monitor and audit state stimulus efforts and expenditures. To help citizens track the process, Gov. Henry also established an official stimulus website at www.ok.gov/okaa.

The council will hold its first meeting on Friday, March 13, at 3pm in the Governor’s Large Conference Room.

Source: Oklahoma Governor