September 22, 2002

Washington, D.C.- During this year's congressional redistricting debate, most of the focus was in where the new Oklahoma district lines would be drawn. It seemed that everyone had an opinion on what the new lines should look like. But one of the most important lessons of that debate fell mostly by the wayside - that Oklahoma's population isn't keeping up with the rest of the nation. While the Oklahoma congressional delegation once consisted of nine members, after this year's elections it will fall from six to a paltry five members. If we continue to lose workers and young people to other states, our population numbers will only get worse. To stem the tide and turn this problem around, we must focus on economic development opportunities for our state.

Numerous government programs have been developed to help communities improve their economic situation, but I've found that what usually makes economic development projects successful is a group of engaged and dedicated town leaders. It could be the town mayor, members of the city council or chamber of commerce, or just concerned townspeople that want to improve their quality of life and see ways for the town to improve. The fruits of their labor can bring new jobs, help the community grow, or bring about a long-neglected service that local citizens need.

The possibilities of economic development are wide open. No idea is too large. Take for example Burns Flat, Okla., a town with just over 1,700 folks, who are currently working to land a project with potential that's literally out of this world.

Back in 1942, Burns Flat became the home of a naval air station for the U.S. Department of Defense. The station served as an Air Force base during the Cold War, where pilots conducted aircraft training and lived on the base. But by the end of the 1960s, the base closed, turning the 2 ½ mile runway at the deserted base into little more than an enormous, abandoned parking lot. Today the facility known as Clinton-Sherman Industrial Airpark serves as an airport for general aviation and military exercises. But its future plans include more than airplanes. It may become a space port - a facility for commercial space launches.

The base's 13,503-feet runway is one of the longest in the world. Its construction is so solid that it's one of the alternate landing sites for the Space Shuttle. Currently we are working with NASA to get $1 million to get the space port licensed. I've also cosponsored bills to increase tax incentives for space port development. And I've requested $10 million to go to performing the type of suborbital launches that would be performed there. This funding could catapult Burns Flat to become one of the premier space launch sites in the nation.

The space port is a perfect example of economic development at its best - local people, businesses, and governments working to bring a huge economic impact to the area. Just some of those involved are the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority, a group of aerospace experts in our state. Another group working for the space port is the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority, a group of local officials that promotes job growth in eight counties around Burns Flat. There are countless other individuals involved, including space industries, support businesses, and the towns of Burns Flat and Clinton. All of these are working with the state legislature and through my office for the betterment of our state.

Economic development is available for everyone. Rural communities and urban areas can utilize it. Non-profit organizations and Native American tribes can benefit from federal grants. Individuals or businesses can apply for governmental loans. Even this year's farm bill includes provisions for economic development.

I believe economic development is so vital to our future that I have individuals on my staff who specialize in it. You are welcome to contact my office with your ideas, and we will use our resources to assist you and your community.

I think most Oklahomans would agree that we have untapped resources in our state. Economic development is the way to open these resources to their full potential. If we work together, we can bring a more promising future for our state and our children.