OKLAHOMA CITY - State Rep. Gus Blackwell and state Sen. Bryce Marlatt announced today that a portion of the stimulus funds received by the state will be used to improve roads and bridges in their districts.

Approximately $12.73 million of the stimulus funds will be used for four projects that fall into the districts of both legislators, according to figures released by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The money would resurface 7.3 miles of U.S. Highway 412 starting just east of US Highway 54 and 21.2 miles of US-54. It would also pay for pavement rehabilitation of 4.5 miles of US Highway 64 from the Texas County line east. A total of about $228 million stimulus dollars will go to fund Oklahoma road and bridge projects.

"I think Oklahoma is making prudent use of the stimulus funds in including the resurfacing of these important routes in the Oklahoma Panhandle," Blackwell, R-Goodwell, said. "Though I disagree with many of the items in the stimulus package and its size, this money will at least directly benefit my constituents in a way that they would approve of."

Marlatt, R-Woodward, said he was also pleased to see that not all of the stimulus funds would be wasted.

"Roads and bridges are an important part of Oklahoma's infrastructure," Marlatt said. "These particular projects will help my constituents and for that I am pleased."