Oklahoma To Share In $600 Million In Disaster Assistance

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma will get more than $6.5 million from the federal government in disaster and social services assistance because of natural disasters last year.

Federal Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mike Leavitt announced Tuesday that Oklahoma is 1 of 19 states and Puerto Rico that will share $450 million in disaster assistance.

Another $150 million will be shared by four states to help recover from Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.

Oklahoma was hit by numerous natural disasters in 2008 including ice storms, a tornado that hit Picher, storms and flooding and a continuing drought in the Panhandle.

The money is to provide individuals and families with social services and health services including mental health services. It's also to help states repair, renovate and build health care and mental health facilities; child care centers and other social service facilities.