July 25, 2026 Issue, Page 11 of 16

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2026 • 11 Weekly Oklahoma Oil and Gas Proudly Brought to you by: Oil & Gas Report for the State of Oklahoma for July 14 - 20, 2026 SUBSCRIBE TODAY Current news and great deals delivered right to your door! NEWS South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) and the Southwest Oklahoma Regioal Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) is Honored with the 2026 Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations The South Western Oklahoma Organization (SORTPO) is lead- transportation, healthcare, hu- additional Regional Transpor- economies through creative ap- Access Program (RMAP) is all Development Authority (SWO- ing implementation of RMAP, man services, and other state and tation Planning Organization proaches to economic and com- about. By bringing communities DA), headquartered in Burns with the first two years focused local partners. regions across Oklahoma. Fu- munity development. NADO is and partners together, RMAP is Flat, Oklahoma, has recently on its sixteen-county region in • Regional Partnership Devel- ture phases of the program will a Washington, DC-based mem- helping remove transportation been recognized with a 2026 Al- southwest Oklahoma. During opment to build a coordinated include mobility navigation ser- bership association of regional barriers and improving access iceann Wohlbruck Impact Award this pilot phase, SORTPO and its network of healthcare providers, vices, expanded regional trans- development organizations that to healthcare, food and other from the National Association partners are implementing initia- public transit agencies, tribal portation coordination, and de- promotes programs and policies health services. This program re- of Development Organizations tives that will establish the foun- governments, nonprofit organi- velopment of a regional dispatch that strengthen local govern- flects the Oklahoma Standard— (NADO) for the Rural Mobility dation for long-term rural mobil- zations, local governments, and model to further improve access ments, communities, and econ- neighbors helping neighbors Access Program (RMAP). ity improvements, including: community stakeholders. to transportation throughout ru- omies. and working together to solve The RMAP is a five-year ini- • Transportation Reimburse- • Regional Dispatch Pilot ral Oklahoma. This year’s cohort included 94 local challenges. We are honored tiative funded through Oklaho- ment Incentive Program (TRIP) will evaluate the feasibility of Together, these initiatives are impactful projects led by 58 orga- by this recognition and remain ma's Rural Health Transforma- to reimburse eligible residents a coordinated transportation expected to increase access to nizations across 20 states. These committed to building stronger, tion Program, supported by the for transportation to healthcare scheduling and dispatch sys- healthcare and healthy food, re- award-winning efforts will be healthier, and more connected Centers for Medicare & Medicaid and other health-related destina- tem that connects public transit duce missed medical appoint- recognized during NADO’s 2026 communities across Oklahoma. Services and administered by tions. providers, healthcare organiza- ments, strengthen coordination Annual Training Conference, The Impact Awards are pre- the Oklahoma State Department • Volunteer Driver Initiative tions, volunteer transportation among transportation providers this coming October in Reno, sented in memory of Aliceann of Health. The Transportation to recruit and support volunteer programs, and human service and healthcare partners, and ex- Nevada. All selected projects are Wohlbruck, NADO’s first execu- Expansion Program is designed drivers who provide transporta- agencies across the SORTPO re- pand mobility options for rural featured in an interactive Stor- tive director, who was a lifelong to improve access to healthcare, tion assistance to rural residents. gion. These pilot initiatives will Oklahomans. yMap that showcases summa- advocate for regional solutions pharmacies, grocery stores, and • Grants for Rural Transit Pro- establish the partnerships, pol- Presented annually, the NADO ries, images, and key partners, and rural economic develop- other essential health-related viders to expand vehicle fleets for icies, and best practices needed Impact Awards honor regional available at https://www.nado. ment. services for residents living in eligible FTA Section 5311 rural to strengthen rural mobility and development organizations and org/2026-impact-award-recipi- For more information, contact rural Oklahoma. public transportation agencies. support future expansion. their partners for strengthening ents/. Julie Sanders, Director of Trans- The Southwest Oklahoma Re- • Interagency Work Group to Beginning in Grant Years three communities, building regional Seeing a need and taking ac- portation, SORTPO, 580-562- gional Transportation Planning strengthen collaboration among and four, RMAP will expand to resilience, and enhancing local tion is what the Rural Mobility 5010, [email protected]. 2026 Urban & Community Forestry Assistance Grant Program Applications Now Available Oklahoma Forestry Services ects. grams tal, economic and social benefits grants will help communities by Assistance Program is now accepting applications for Projects can include but are not Greenway development plan- for all Oklahomans. investing in the long-term bene- 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd. the 2026 Urban & Community limited to: ning “Community forestry projects fits that trees can provide.” Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Forestry Assistance Grant Pro- Native tree planting Community forestry workforce can improve quality of life by re- Learn more about the program Email: [email protected] gram. The program offers match- Storm readiness, response & program ducing extreme heat, improving and apply today. Potential applicants are en- free grants for local governments, recovery Tree maintenance & removal air quality, managing stormwa- Application Deadline: October couraged to discuss project ideas tribal organizations, nonprofit Extreme heat mitigation The goal of this grant pro- ter, enhancing neighborhoods 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. with Oklahoma Forestry Services groups and educational insti- Street tree planting gram is to help governments and and creating healthier places to Applications may be submitted before submitting an application. tutions ranging from $5,000 to Community fruit orchards to groups across Oklahoma imple- live and work,” said Riley Coy, by email or mail to: Technical assistance is available $50,000 to help with urban and combat food insecurity ment urban forestry projects that Oklahoma Forestry Services Ur- Oklahoma Forestry Services throughout the application pro- community forestry related proj- Municipal tree restoration pro- will provide lasting environmen- ban Forestry Coordinator. “These Urban & Community Forestry cess.