Frederick Leader News Reporter

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approve the allocation of funds to support rural fire fighter departments. The Frederick Fire Department will receive a portion of the funding approved by hous members.

The funds are distributed by the Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments, which is a trus authority. In many cases funds are granted to community based on the size of the population. Rural

fire departments will most likely witness a ver balanced distribution of funds due to the fact that

these funds are designed to support the needs of smaller communities.

ASCOG was organized July 24, 1969 to assist local

governments to serve the needs of their citizens.

ASCOG is one of eleven regional councils of local

governments in Oklahoma. Funding is provided from local dues, state appropriated funds, and state, federal and private grants. Board meetings are held

quarterly, with the Executive Committee meeting in the off month. On December 31, 1991, ASCOG became a Trust

Authority, which is a legal extension of local

government operating under a  39 member board of trustees consisting of a county commissioner, a mayoral representative, a conservative district director, and a citizen-at-large representative fro each of the eight counties, four minority

representatives, the mayor of Lawton, and two Indian tribal representatives.

From the beginning the purpose of ASCOG has been to

provide the leadership to improve efficiency in loca government by promoting sharing of governmenta services, expressing common positions on issues of

public policy and providing members with plannning, development, management and research services. In

addition to overseeing the programs ASCOG administers on behalf of local governments, the trustees work together to address governmental issues that go beyond

any one political boundary.

The legislature has approved the appropriation of funds for the next fiscal year. A substantial amount of funds were allocated to support rural fir departments. A little over 1 million dollars will be applicable for grants awarded to various departments and 860,000 dollars were appropriated for rural fire

coordinators. Each department is dependent on a grant that compensates for all minimal operational expenditures of departments. A total of 4.5 millio dollars has been approved for grants to support the

operations of various departments. A total of 85, 00 dollars in funds has been granted approval approved to

allow employers to compensate volunteer firefighters in a state mandated revolving fund. Also 169,00 dollars will be utilized as an allowance for the insurance pool group of volunteers. The revolving fund for the purchase of defense equipment allows departments to purchase necessary equipment and tools for fire fighting activities that may occur. There is a total of 5,000 dollars that has received approval to be appropriated in this fund. The funds appropriated for these various programs are an estimated 6.6 million dollars in available resources to be distributed by ASCOG. Ther are no supplemental funds currently approved for the next fiscal year. However, a total of 5,000,000 dollars will be utilized for a revolving pension fund of volunteer firefighters and rural fire equipment.

All funds appropriated were introduced and enacted on House Bill 1267. These funds are an asset to rural fire departments. Every fire department in Tillma county will enjoy the benefits of the funds allocatedby this specific house bill.