Next month, Broken Arrow Mayor Craig Thurmond will make his third visit this year to the White House.
Trips in January and March focused on federal funding opportunities for road, transportation and utility projects in President Donald Trump's more than $1 trillion infrastructure plan. Thurmond said those are on the agenda for Aug. 21, and he’d also like to talk about possible grants for public safety.
"That’s constantly what we are up there trying to discuss is bringing our tax dollars that our citizens have given the federal government back to Broken Arrow to help them in infrastructure and other — public safety and other things," Thurmond said.
Thurmond said talks about additional funding opportunities are helpful, especially for a fast-growing city like Broken Arrow.
"We’re the last state in the United States that cities mainly operate on sales tax for their general operating fund. So, it’s very difficult for us to keep up with the needs that we have," Thurmond said.
While Thurmond’s previous two visits involved mayors from across the U.S., next month’s will involve Oklahoma local and county officials.
"It seems like we do have their ear at this point in time. So, it’s important, and they do respond to us. Been on the council 17 years, and that’s something that hasn’t always been that way in the past. So, it’s really exciting that we’re getting that response," Thurmond said.
Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon will also go.
