Governor Mary Fallin has approved the transfer of $1.8 million from the state’s emergency fund so Oklahoma can qualify for federal funds needed to repair flood control structures damaged in the past year.
“These structures are absolutely vital to protect Oklahomans and their property should the state receive record rainfall again like it did last year,” said the governor in making the announcement. She also thanked Congressman Frank Lucas for his help in securing additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“The devasting floods throughout Oklahoma last year emphasized the importance of maintaining and repairing dams and watersheds throughout the state,” said the Representative. “Every dollar devoted to these critical rehabilitation projects will have an extraordinary impact in protecting the lives and property of Oklahomans.”
He said the agency’s watershed protection program will help repair more than 60 structures in 16 counties damaged by the spring floods. Oklahoma has more than 2,100 small watershed upstream flood control dams to slow flood waters in streams and creek. The impoundments prevented more than $91 million in flood damages last May when the state was hit by torrential rains.
