City Of Tulsa To Receive Over $3 Million In Relief Funding

Tulsa is getting the first wave of federal CARES Act money to help people affected by COVID-19.

Councilors voted unanimously to receive more than $3 million from the federal government at their meeting tonight.

This money will be used to pay for some of the money that the city has already spent, and for other things as well.

Tulsa Housing Director Becky Gligo said the first wave is for to help families pay rent, small businesses, to expand broadband to low income areas and help with housing.

"The work has already begun, and the funds will allow us to start to pay for that work," Gligo said.

It includes a "quarantine hotel", which is a temporary homeless shelter for families who are facing evictions.

One million dollars will go toward Tulsa Police, to help with their COVID response and communications.

"It's happening now, we didn't have the luxury of waiting. We needed to intervene in the crisis immediately," Gligo said.

Governor Kevin Stitt said Oklahoma got more than one billion dollars from the CARES Act. 67 cities and counties have requested for some of that money.

"The state is committed to helping all of our local governments navigate and reimburse them of COVID related expenses," Stitt said.

Help that city leaders like Gligo, said are desperately needed.

"This is the fastest I think we've been able to receive an award, make a plan for that award, and then see the immediate effects of it, so that's really great at a time where there's overwhelming need," Gligo said.

There isn't a timetable yet for the next round of federal funding.