Oklahoma Owes $36 Million in Disaster Aid

Oklahoma has failed to pay $36 million expected by more than 600 local governments and others for help in cleaning up after disasters dating to 2007.

The Tulsa World reported Sunday that the state emergency fund has not had any appropriations since 2008 and has a balance of $944.

Gov. Mary Fallin called on lawmakers last week to replenish the fund.

Bills range from $62 to a fire department for work after a 2010 thunderstorm to $2.4 million to Comanche County for cleanup after a winter storm last year.

With a disaster declaration from the president, the federal government reimburses local governments 75 percent of cleanup costs.

Oklahoma has traditionally chipped in another 12.5 percent of the costs, but it’s not required to.