Rural Economic Action Plan of 1996; expanding eligible entities and expenditures. Emergency.

SB 1573 expands funding under Oklahoma's Rural Economic Action Plan by broadening eligibility for communities and projects. It allows 11 additional regional development organizations (like ACOG and INCOG) to apply for funds, and extends eligible projects to include water infrastructure repairs, sewer systems, and water treatment. The bill prioritizes cities/towns with populations under 1,750 and prohibits matching funds, while capping annual awards at $350,000 per entity. It directly affects rural Oklahoma communities, small municipalities, and water districts seeking infrastructure improvements.