SENATE APPROVES FUNDS FOR OKLAHOMA PROJECTS

WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Thursday approved millions of dollars for
Oklahoma projects, including Norman's new weather center and statues
planned in Oklahoma City commemorating the 1889 Land Run.

Rep. Ernest Istook, R-Warr Acres, and Sen. Don Nickles, R-Ponca City, also
secured money to beef up drug trafficking efforts in Oklahoma and across
the nation.

The money is included in a bill that funds several federal agencies,
including the Treasury Department. Istook, the head of the appropriations
subcommittee that handled the bill, shepherded it through the House on
Wednesday, adding some of the Oklahoma money.

The legislation goes to the president and is expected to be signed.

Despite an adamant stance against so-called "pork" that has put him at odds
with other Oklahoma officials, Istook found justification for $1.7 million
to pay for 36 giant land run statues sought by the Oklahoma Centennial
Commission.

The statues are planned for downtown Oklahoma City. Istook has said that
because the land run was a federal creation, federal dollars should help
pay to commemorate it.

"This is a federal, state and private team effort, and this bill provides
the one-third federal share," Istook said. "The federal government created
the land runs to open up Oklahoma Territory for settlement. This monument
will become the defining symbol of Oklahoma's heritage, and of the people
who came here to live out their hopes and dreams and stake their claim in
America."

The statues being designed by Norman artist Paul Moore depict pioneers
poised to claim a piece of land opened to settlement.

The new weather center in Norman will get $8 million from the bill moved by
Istook and another $8 million in separate legislation still in Congress.
Since the 1999 tornadoes, the project has become a major priority for
Oklahoma's congressional delegation.

"The University of Oklahoma is ideal for this national weather facility
which will help save lives, homes and businesses," Istook said. "Top-notch
researchers can study severe weather first-hand so they can develop better
forecasting and warning systems to be used across the country."

Istook and Nickles said they won a $7 million increase for drug
interdiction training at the U.S. Customs center at Will Rogers World Airport.

"This is good news for Oklahoma City and our efforts to stem the flow of
drugs into this country," Nickles said. "This program will make sure all
agents receive standard training and will result in better success in our
fight against drug smuggling."

Nickles, who also got $7 million for the program last year, said the money
will be used for helicopters, hangars and the relocation of trainers.

Istook said the bill also seeks more federal attention to Oklahoma's
methamphetamine problem by recommending the state be designated a
high-density drug-trafficking area.