The City of McAlester announcing a deal to bring a battery recycling plant to our industrial park is the news of the week. This is great news as this area of the state is in dire need of new economic growth. This will bring several hundred well-paying jobs. What the headlines don’t state is that this is something the Legislature has been working on for several years. When the Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity (PREP) Fund was initially set up, its focus was to help provide incentives for new businesses to locate in areas other than our metropolitan areas, giving companies incentives to move into rural Oklahoma. It’s always gratifying to see a plan go into play.
The House Appropriations & Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee hosted an interim study last week pertaining to water and its usage. It was good to see our neighbors in Western Oklahoma realize that they have a finite amount of water to work with, and it is up to them to decide measures to conserve. Years before I entered the Legislature, the plan always focused around moving water from eastern Oklahoma to other parts of the state. I believe our abundance of water will lead to our economic benefit moving forward.
I also attended an interim study hosted by the House Energy Committee pertaining to setbacks on wind and solar projects. Oftentimes, it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction on these issues. Interim studies offer the opportunity to question claims and try to determine their validity. These types of studies are very informative. I am convinced this will be one of our legislative focuses this upcoming session.
It was Wilburton’s night to shine at the annual Oklahoma Main Street Awards Banquet. Wilburton Mayor Loran Mayes was recognized as “Outstanding Public Official.” Caleb Brunson, a student at Eastern Oklahoma State College, was recognized for his contribution as a Main Street Board member. Wilburton Main Street was recognized for their “Solar Eclipse Kick Off Party.” It was a good evening. I should also note, Caleb served as a page for me in the House of Representatives. It always is rewarding to witness our youth as they advance in their careers.
As always, thank You for allowing me to serve you. I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim.grego@okhouse.gov.
Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and part and Pittsburg County.
Get Local News!
