Committee looking for more funds to pay for firefighting efforts

(Tulsa-AP) -- A state House-Senate committee wants more state and federal funding to pay the cost of fighting destructive grass fires last month. <br><br>The joint committee was formed specifically to

Thursday, October 5th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- A state House-Senate committee wants more state and federal funding to pay the cost of fighting destructive grass fires last month.

The joint committee was formed specifically to examine the impact of the drought and wildfires that have charred many parts of the state.

David Ligon is the state Agriculture Department's director of administrative services. Ligon says that as of Tuesday, the department expected to be $805,000 over budget because of firefighting costs.

Ligon says those expenses don't cover rural firefighting costs.

He says the Agriculture Department and rural fire departments need about $1.5 million to remain in operation.

Albert Ashwood, executive director of the Department of Civil Emergency Management, says the agency has spent more than $1.7 million as of September 29th.