Published: May 28, 2009 11:05 am      

Osborn votes for restoration of REAP

Thanks to the efforts of rural Republicans, lawmakers have restored funding for the Rural Economic Action Plan, a program that pays for rural infrastructure needs.

“REAP funding has always been one of my priorities and I am proud we found a way to continue this important program in spite of a tough budget year,” said state Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Tuttle. “Because of the vast infrastructure needs of rural Oklahoma, rural Republicans in the House have been fighting for REAP funding since day one. By maintaining REAP, we will enhance the economic development of the rural areas of our state, and in turn our state as a whole.”

“We recognize how important the REAP program is to rural Oklahoma and with the current economy, it is even more important that we provide the funding for these small communities,” state Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, said. “When we learned that there might be a problem with REAP funding, we worked together to quickly find a solution.”

 Under the new plan, REAP will receive $14.4 million this year, just 7 percent below last year’s appropriation.

Funding for the program will be generated through an increase in the fine for delinquent tag renewal, which will increase from 25 cents to $1 a day. Of the 75 cents increase, 50 cents would go to REAP while the other 25 cents would stay with the tag agent.