Capitol Update: Wesy discusses details of emergency drought committee meeting held last week
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Oklahoma Emergency Drought Committee met last week voting to potentially allocate up to $12 million to agricultural producers statewide who are looking to complete drought relief projects on their properties. The first $2 million would come from the committee's unearmarked cost-share funding for new applications for these projects. The remaining $10 million would come if the committee receives a supplemental appropriation from the Legislature next year.
State Climatologist Gary McManus told committee members the state has experienced drought conditions for months, made worse by high temperatures and lack of rainfall.
State funding can be used to offset a portion of these project costs, but program participants would have to contribute around 40%, according to a presentation made at the meeting.
Previous applicants on the waitlist for funding, designated as “alternates,” will need to resubmit their applications for any of the newly approved funding.
The new application period opens Oct. 5. Applications must be submitted to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. More information can be found on their website, https://conservation.ok.gov/emergency-drought-assistance-program/.
Agricultural producers can retroactively apply for projects completed, or those they plan to complete, between July 15, 2026 and July 1, 2027. This excludes pond cleanouts, which would need to be completed by Dec. 31, 2026.
Program participants must submit invoices and are subject to visual inspection or verification of completed projects in order to receive the state funds.
In the meantime, I'm preparing to host an interim study titled Recurring Training for Active Shooter Response, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 7 in Room 206 at the State Capitol.
I've got an incredible lineup of presenters for this including Colton Jones with the Black Banner Group who will demonstrate why improved access to this training is needed. Dylan Gray, a student resource officer from LeFlore County will detail training he's received and speak about why officers should receive continued training.
Oklahoma Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Tipton will discuss his department's training availability and the ability of departments to access training when needed. Mike Fike, director of the Oklahoma School Security Institute, will discuss the effectiveness of training for officers and why recurring training is essential.
Bobby Floyd, director of training, Austin Slaten, academy coordinator, and Clay Anderson, an instructor, at the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET), will outline the types and duration of active shooter response training and the Center for Active Shooter Preparedness (CASP) at CLEET and its role in active shooter training across the state.
Brett Macy, deputy director of the Transportation Division at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission will share about the coordination between rural and municipal departments during active shooter situations and access to recurring training.
Active shooter situations in schools and the public are of huge concern to everyone. I think this study will give us a look at what training is currently available in the state for law enforcement and where gaps might exist that we need to address. I'm looking forward to a robust discussion.
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