Oklahoma Preparing To Distribute $1.2 Billion In Relief Money To Cities, Counties

The state of Oklahoma is getting ready to distribute more than $1.2 billion of relief money to cities and counties across the state as part of the CARES Act.

The money will help pay for expenses caused directly by the COVID-19 pandemic.           

Its Oklahoma's allotment approved by Congress.

Governor Kevin Stitt said the goal is to give the money out fairly and be transparent about it.

The Governor formed a team called CARES forward.

It’s made up of experts in sectors effected financially by the virus, who will provide guidance and make sure the money is being spent in compliance with federal law.

Starting now, cities and counties can submit requests for reimbursements, as long as the expenses were caused because of the virus and not in their budget at the beginning of the year.

The state will then process those requests and start sending money out by early June.

"Our mission is to maximize all federal dollars available during this unprecedented time, and to ensure this money is spent with integrity on COVID-19 related expenses, emergencies and pandemic preparedness," said Stitt.

The Governor also stressed that they want to be transparent throughout this entire process.

So, they've created a website where you can track daily where the money was sent.

You can find that here.