The KEDDO staff will assist any local government in any way it can to aid in economic development or community improvement, but the responsibility for success lies with individuals, groups and local governments interested enough in area development to give their ideas, time, efforts and funds to support the program.

For further information about KEDDO's programs or areas in which the organization can be of service to you and your community contact Chester Dennis. Contact information listed below.

Programs Available

• Economic Development
• Rural Economic Action Plan
• Area Agency on Aging
• Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
• Rural Fire Defense Program
• Tick Eradication Program Pushmataha County
• Rural Eco Development Coalition
• Community Expansion of Nutritional Assistance

Economic Development

KEDDO is funded as an Economic Development District (EDD). This allows member governments to be assisted by preparing annual economic plans and other requirements. EDD status enables KEDDO to access funding for infrastructure planning and improvements as well as overall economic development throughout the region.

Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP)

In 1996, the Oklahoma Legislature created the Rural Economic Action Plan. The original legislation allocated $1.7 million for rural development projects giving priority to communities with fewer than 1,500 residents.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

The AAA receives funds and support through the Special Unit on Aging and local governments to monitor and assist funded senior citizen centers and insures that services needed by the seniors are initiated in the projects. The AAA program also offers the following services: Health Insurance Counseling; Advocacy; Information & Assistance; Transportation; Caregiver Assistance with Access to Services; Outreach; Senior Citizen Volunteer Opportunities; and Nursing Home Ombudsman Program. Funded projects include the Kiamichi Area Nutrition Project, representing eighteen (18) nutrition sites and the Oklahoma Rural Elderly Coalition, representing seventeen (17) senior citizen programs.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

This Program offers work force development activities for eligible individuals seeking employment and/or training as well as for employers seeking an adequately trained work force. Activities such as classroom training, occupation specific training, a comprehensive summer youth employment and training program, as well as programs targeted to older workers, veterans, and women are offered through each of KEDDO's seven Workforce Oklahoma Centers. Additionally, assessment/testing and employment counseling, and referral is provided.

Rural Fire Defense Program (RFDP)

This Program works with people in rural communities to assist them in forming fire departments. Rural Fire Departments are made aware of funding and equipment resources available to them. Funds for this program are provided by the Oklahoma State Legislature, local governments and the Forestry Division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.

Tick Eradication Program Pushmataha County (TEPP)

This Program is operated in conjunction with the Pushmataha County Commissioners. This cooperative arrangement allows for a low cost spraying program. The only charge associated with the program is a small fee per head of livestock used to replenish tick spray and some maintenance of equipment.

Rural Eco Development Coalition (REDC)

This Program is funded through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. REDC allows those desiring to establish a new business to stay in their communities. Whereas, most incubators are facilities in a specific location, the REDC provides essentially the same service and the business person can stay in his/her home town.

Community Expansion of Nutrition Assistance (CENA)

In 1997, the Oklahoma Legislature created the Community Expansion of Nutrition Assistance (CENA). This legislation allotted funding to independent senior centers across the state. It affected approximately 45 centers in the KEDDO district allowing them to better serve the seniors citizens in our area. The importance of these centers in rural Oklahoma was recognized by the Oklahoma Legislature with the creation of this program.

KEDDO
Chester Dennis, Executive Director
P.O. Box 638,
Wilburton, OK 74578
PHONE: 918/465-2367 or
1-800-722-8180
FAX: 918/465-3873
E-MAIL: keddo@eosc.edu

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Updated February 19, 2003