Forum Held On Stimulus Money For Tulsa

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Millions of dollars in stimulus money is making its way to Tulsa.  But, how will businesses get their hands on it?  Mayor Kathy Taylor talked about that during a forum on Monday afternoon.  The city says the forum was a first step towards getting everyone on the same page for what most admit is a very confusing process.

The Tulsa Convention Center was filled with contractors, architects, and others hoping to get involved in stimulus-related projects.  While interested in the money, most had questions about the red tape they will have to deal with.

"Not willing to read all of it, so trying to get a better understanding of what the money is earmarked for, and potentially if it could be a potential project for us down the road," said Steven Ryan with Trigon, Inc.

"I don't know if it's the opportunity we all wanted, but it's money and funding that's going to allow some things to happen," said Wiley Davis with Wiley Davis Electrical.

Mayor Taylor says she put the forum together in an attempt to at least answer some of those questions.  She says it also allowed people to network with each other, as well as city officials.

"The information is coming out so quickly that the most efficient way to do it is for us all to be together, and figure out how Oklahoma and in particular northeast Oklahoma makes an impact," said Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor.

During the networking session, the most popular display was the city's one featuring the IDL.  Officials still aren't sure just how much money Tulsa will see, but say the crumbling downtown highway remains a top priority.

The mayor says while working on that project and others, it's important that the stimulus money be used correctly.

"We have a unique opportunity to take this and do what we're asked to to develop jobs for Tulsa and America," said Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor.

The mayor has promised to be transparent during this process.  She says the city will create a website that will detail exactly what your money is being spent on.