Governor, legislative leaders agree on centennial funding

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry and legislative leaders agree to set aside $17-million for projects observing Oklahoma's 100th birthday in 2007.<br/><br/>Centennial Commission executive director

Thursday, December 15th 2005, 5:41 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry and legislative leaders agree to set aside $17-million for projects observing Oklahoma's 100th birthday in 2007.

Centennial Commission executive director Blake Wade said Wednesday the money will pay for 320 centennial observances across the state, from the larger-than-life bronze Land Run Monument in Oklahoma City to the placement of centennial clocks and benches in smaller communities.

Supplemental funding for centennial projects has been bottled up as lawmakers bickered over the need for a special session to approve it.

Henry expanded a special session to include centennial projects and funding for the Department of Corrections, but Republican House leaders have refused to resume the session to consider any legislation.

The agreement between Henry, Hiett and Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan gives the Centennial Commission $16-million in supplemental funds and $1-million to the Commerce Department to secure contracts for the largest events during the yearlong observance.