Cole Secures Funds for Ardmore Community Resources Center

WASHINGTON—Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole secured $250,000 for the second phase of the Ardmore Community Resources Center in legislation that passed in the House today. This legislation will now be considered by the U.S. Senate where Senator Inhofe is working on this issue.

Cole is working with the City of Ardmore and the Ardmore Development Authority to construct a centrally located social resources facility within the now vacant Colvert Dairy Building at 135 South Washington.

“Currently, the agencies and organizations providing assistance for the at-risk and elderly are scattered throughout Ardmore. It makes more sense for them to be centrally located and within walking distance of essential municipal and county buildings. When they are under one roof they will be able to share overhead costs and save taxpayer and charitable dollars," Congressman Tom Cole said. "This project is a great investment in the local economy and in downtown Ardmore.”

Last year, Congressman Cole and U.S. Senator James Inhofe helped secure $220,000 for the first phase of the Ardmore Community Resources Center.

“We’re fortunate to have Congressman Cole leading the charge in the House. Phase 2 funding will allow us to move this project forward. We estimate that the economic return will be significant -- an annual return of at least $1 million to the taxpayers and the creation of 100 jobs. We look forward to Senate action,” Ardmore Development Authority President Wes Stucky said.

“Ardmore appreciates the leadership of Congressman Cole. His assistance in securing funds for this project is a critical investment in our long-term planning for downtown Ardmore. In this project, the City Commission envisions a one-stop shop where area residents can easily access available services and move toward more healthy and productive lives," Ardmore Mayor John Moore said.

Ardmore leaders are working to make the Commission’s vision a reality by partnering with organizations that will arrange the following services through the new resources center:

domestic violence prevention, child care, and battered women sheltering programs
student mentoring, mental and physical health counseling, drug and alcohol education
job preparation, education, and employment services
child-abuse prevention and protection services
nutrition, welfare, and food-stamp programs
medical, dental, and pharmaceutical care for the needy
community and vocational integration programs for the disabled

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