Panel To Monitor State's Stimulus Money

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OKLAHOMA CITY -- Federal stimulus money is headed to Oklahoma to help kick-start our economy.

On Friday, Gov. Brad Henry signed an executive order creating a council to make sure the money is used effectively and efficiently.

ODOT will receive about $465 million, and the stimulus money will also invest in a several other areas including education, healthcare, public safety and energy. 

"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," Henry said in a statement.

A council designed to oversee the use of the federal stimulus money met for the first time Friday afternoon. The panel includes several members from the governor's cabinet and state officials. 

Track Oklahoma's stimulus money.