Lankford Secures Federal Disaster Funding for Tulsa County Flood Mitigation, Shawnee and Sulphur Recovery Efforts

WASHINGTON, DC - US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) announced Tuesday that Oklahoma grants totaling more than $20 million have received funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The projects include advancing a major flood mitigation project in Tulsa County, and rebuilding Shawnee Public Schools and Oklahoma School for the Deaf buildings destroyed in severe weather outbreaks.

Tulsa County has been awarded federal funding for Phase II of the 101st Street and Garnett Road Infrastructure Protection Project. This project addresses frequent flooding caused by Haikey Creek by improving roadways and drainage infrastructure at the intersection of 101st Street and Garnett Road.

"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."

Phase II of the Tulsa County project totals approximately $9.7 million and will be funded at a 90 percent federal cost share, significantly reducing the burden on local taxpayers. Once completed, the improvements are expected to reduce roadway flooding, protect nearby infrastructure, and improve public safety during heavy rain events.

Shawnee Public Schools will receive more than $1.7 million in federal disaster assistance to replace the Stucker Building at Shawnee High School, which was destroyed by a tornado in April 2023. The funding will support the demolition of the damaged facility and construction of a new, larger building which will include a gym and athletic spaces for wrestling, basketball, and volleyball, along with an expanded safe room. The project is funded at a 75 percent federal cost share under FEMA's Public Assistance program.

The Oklahoma School for the Deaf will receive more than $1.2 million in federal funding to repair storm and flood damage to four campus buildings following severe weather in April 2024. Repairs include replacement of damaged roofs, electrical systems, interior finishes, and mechanical equipment. The project also includes the installation of generators to keep sump pumps operating during future storms, helping reduce the risk of repeated flood damage. The project is funded at a 75 percent federal cost share through FEMA's Public Assistance program.

Approximately $9.5 million in other grants will reimburse the state of Oklahoma, local and tribal governments for costs associated with managing disaster recovery efforts following the 2019, 2020, and 2023 severe weather events.

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