It might be a longshot but Garvin County officials are still making plans to go after a grant jackpot worth several million dollars.
Up for grabs nationwide are TIGER grants, which stands for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery.
Claire Murphy, a grant writer working with county officials here, told all three commissioners earlier this week the numbers are huge for this transportation program.
“Think big. We’re talking millions of dollars. We’re talking about new grants, stimulus money,” Murphy said.
For this county she said it appears any projects would focus on bridge or road improvement.
There are a number of catches included, such as any funding applications must be completed fairly quickly. The deadline for submitting an application is Sept. 15.
Projects themselves must also be big since the federal stimulus money included in the program is big.
For example, Murphy said with few exceptions any projects eventually approved for funding must cost a minimum of $20 million.
That’s the reason she suggested the possibility of a project partnership with another surrounding county or even with an area tribe.
“You might want to consider going in with another county,” Murphy said.
Another requirement is projects must be started quickly and completed within a very tight window of time.
“The preference will go to projects that can be finished within two years. It can be big but you have to be ready to go,” she said.
According to Murphy, the program is focused on transportation improvements that also factor in the economic impact.
“You’ll be looking at ways to improve roads and bridges; helping people getting to and from a job. The number of jobs created and saved is a big part of this.”
Specifically, Murphy said the program is targeting projects that help “new private sector expansion.”
“You’re not going to create the perfect project,” she told commissioners.
“You’re going to push forward with the things you can get done.”
One of the commissioners, Johnny Mann of District 3, believes any application from this county would likely include a series of projects rather than a single larger one.
“We’re not going to come up with one big project,” Mann said.
“It’s going to be a lot of smaller projects, probably the ones we’ve already engineered.”
Even though Murphy believes states like California and New York are likely to get most of the funding because of their large amount of needs, she told commissioners Oklahoma is going to get its share.
Local News
‘Think big’ with grant program
- Local News
-
-
Group looks to make fitness fun
Fitness and fun — a great combination for an ever expanding group working to better the health of those in the entire Garvin County area.
-
4-H program helps with 911 signs
Garvin County's 911 coordinator is now hoping to get the message out for residents, especially those in rural areas, to get their new 911 addresses posted as near their home's driveway as possible.
-
Despite 75th milestone, GC livestock show maintains tradition
Part of what makes the Garvin County Livestock Show stand out for so many participants year after year is despite any changes, the traditions which began so many years ago can still be seen from those who are involved today.
-
Raffle run to help kids’ place in PV
A special football sporting the names of past Oklahoma gridiron greats is at the center of a campaign going on right now to help a Pauls Valley kids’ facility.
-
Cookie sales kick off
-
Breakfast tradition returning for crowds and fellowship
While many residents of Pauls Valley have no shortage of great causes to open up their pocket for in any given year, there are events where community bonds almost overshadow an annual need.
-
A real focus on illegal drugs
The new year has brought with it a very fast pace for one Garvin County law enforcement agency thanks to its extra attention on illegal drug activity.
-
Featured Pet Adopt: Blossom
-
Showing Support
-
Absentee date comes in a week
Voters in three Garvin County school districts have a few days left to request to have absentee ballots mailed to them for an upcoming election date.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Group looks to make fitness fun







