OKLAHOMA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Oklahoma Centennial Celebration

Regina Birchum
Media Specialist
Oklahoma House of Representatives
State Capitol, Suite B-25
405.557.7499 office
405.557.7498 fax
birchumre@lsb.state.ok.us

Contact: State Rep. Chris Benge
Capitol: (405) 557-7340
Tulsa: (918) 446-1036

Bill Passed Confirming State not Financially
Obligated for Centennial Projects

OKLAHOMA CITY - The House passed legislation clarifying that the
commission created to help Oklahoma celebrate its 100-year anniversary
of statehood is not financially responsible for maintaining any of the
projects developed for the event.
State Rep. Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, said while reviewing projects
last year as part of the Legislative Oversight Committee on State Budget
Performance, he became concerned that some of the projects could become
long-term expenses to the state.
The Oklahoma Capitol Complex and Centennial Commemoration
Commission was created by the state Legislature in 1998 to prepare a
statewide plan for commemorating Oklahoma's 100th year of statehood in
2007.
"The concept behind the centennial projects is a great one,"
said Benge. "That is, to coordinate projects across the state that
celebrate Oklahoma, instill pride, and enrich communities."
Most of the projects planned as part of the celebration include
monuments, public art, park improvements, tree plantings and other
displays. For example, projects in the Tulsa area include a mosaic wall
mural, a fountain, and an arts plaza. However, Benge said he and others
on the committee felt that some of the projects under consideration fell
outside that scope, including the creation of local centers.
"The intent was for these projects to be a one-time expense. I
don't want to see the state of Oklahoma obligated for years to come," he
said. "The state should not allow centennial projects to be used to
expand government."
To ensure that doesn't happen, Benge introduced House Bill 1232.
The measure, which was passed by the House last week by an 81-15 vote,
expressly states that neither the state nor the commemoration commission
is obligated for any operational or maintenance expenses associated with
any project developed for the centennial celebration.
HB 1232 would absolve the state of any wages or salaries,
utility costs, insurance, or "any other recurring cost or payment"
related to any centennial project.
Centennial Commission Deputy Director Jeanie Edney said the group has
not yet obligated any state funds to any projects. "We tell them
when they apply that we can't guarantee any state funds," she said.
Approximately 95 projects have been approved in anticipation of the 2007
celebration.

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