Bill To Protect State's Military Installations

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A measure aimed at protecting Oklahoma's military bases in the next round of realignment hearings received overwhelming approval Wednesday in the state House. Faxon Republican

Wednesday, April 25th 2007, 7:40 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A measure aimed at protecting Oklahoma's military bases in the next round of realignment hearings received overwhelming approval Wednesday in the state House. Faxon Republican representative Don Armes says his bill addresses Oklahoma's need to commit money to military communities so the state can keep them long term.

The measure would authorize the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority to provide loans and lease purchase agreements for capital projects to cities and schools.

Armes says Oklahoma's military installations have a combined economic impact of $6 billion per year on the state economy.

The bill passed 97-2 and now returns to the state Senate for final approval.