US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) has announced that more than $20 million in federal grants have been awarded to Oklahoma by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding will support a range of disaster mitigation and recovery projects, including flood control measures in Tulsa County and rebuilding efforts for schools in Shawnee and Sulphur damaged by severe weather.
Tulsa County received funding for Phase II of the 101st Street and Garnett Road Infrastructure Protection Project. This initiative aims to address recurring flooding from Haikey Creek by upgrading roadways and drainage at a key intersection. “After working closely with leadership from Tulsa County and the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management on Tulsa’s frequent flooding issues, I’m grateful my conversations with US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem helped secure these much-needed federal funds,” Lankford said. “These grants represent a strong federal, state, and local partnership to help us recover and will play a critical role in protecting Oklahoma communities from future flooding.”
The second phase of the Tulsa County project is valued at approximately $9.7 million, with 90 percent covered by federal funds. The improvements are expected to reduce roadway flooding, protect infrastructure, and enhance public safety during heavy rain.
Shawnee Public Schools will get over $1.7 million to replace the Stucker Building at Shawnee High School, which was destroyed by an April 2023 tornado. The new building will include expanded athletic facilities and a larger safe room. This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance program at a 75 percent federal share.
The Oklahoma School for the Deaf is set to receive more than $1.2 million to repair storm damage sustained in April 2024. Work includes replacing roofs, electrical systems, interior finishes, mechanical equipment, and installing generators for sump pumps to prevent future flood damage. Like Shawnee’s project, this is funded at a 75 percent federal cost share through FEMA’s Public Assistance program.
An additional $9.5 million in grants will reimburse state, local, and tribal governments for costs related to disaster recovery efforts following severe weather events in 2019, 2020, and 2023.
Senator Lankford represents Oklahoma in the United States Senate and leads the Senate Select Committee on Ethics while serving on committees focused on finance, homeland security, and intelligence (https://www.lankford.senate.gov/). He has been recognized as the Senate’s top-ranked ‘Taxpayers Friend’ by the National Taxpayers Union (https://www.lankford.senate.gov/), reflecting his focus on safeguarding life, liberty, families, addressing costs faced by Oklahomans, and supporting allies such as Israel (https://www.lankford.senate.gov/). In addition to legislative work, he provides constituent services including assistance with federal agencies (https://www.lankford.senate.gov/).
