Restore T.R.U.S.T.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Brad Henry on Wednesday announced the creation of a panel to help oversee Oklahoma's use of federal stimulus funds.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Coordinating Council includes state agency and executive branch leaders who already have been working on various aspects of Oklahoma's response to the stimulus funds. Henry will be chairman of the council.

"We've been working on Oklahoma's role in the stimulus package for many weeks now, but I felt it was important to formalize the process and create an official entity to ensure that every base is covered and every stimulus dollar is used in the most effective and efficient manner possible," the governor said.

"The council will help keep the public informed about the process and interact with legislative leaders and other stimulus stakeholders as federal funds are received and allocated to important projects."

The council will hold its first meeting at 3 p.m. Friday in the Governor's Large Conference Room in the Capitol.

Earlier this month, Henry appointed state Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage to review, monitor and audit state stimulus efforts and spending.— BARBARA HOBEROCK, WORLD CAPITOL BUREAU