'Losing the ARPA funds': Clock ticking for mental health facility, officials say

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — During a press conference on Friday, organizers with the People's Council for Justice Reform urged officials to change course on a planned mental health facility as $50 million in federal funds hang in the balance.

Oklahoma County officials are advocating for such a facility to be attached to a planned new detention center so inmates who need help have easy access to care.

However, concerned residents are pushing back against the plan.

Instead, they are encouraging the county to invest in community-based services they argue will help prevent individuals from being imprisoned in the first place.

PCJR member Sara Bana asserted, "The [American Rescue Plan] funds and the COVID funds were intended to uplift the working poor."

According to county officials, they could lose the money if they don't spend it. They can't use any federal funds for a carceral facility, so the ARPA dollars would only go toward the mental health facility attached to the future jail.

Mark Faulk with the PCJR argued, "They keep threatening that they're going to lose those 50 million in ARPA funds but that is just absolutely not the case. It is not true."

Oklahoma County Commissioner Brian Maughan noted the county could use the money for other initiatives if current plans don't pan out—but stressed that the new jail needs the facility.

He highlighted plans for another mental health facility for the general public.

"I think that we are imminently at the date of losing the ARPA funds for having a facility at least next to the jail if we can't resolve this in probably the next week or so," warned Maughan.

The funds need to be encumbered by the end of 2024. They have to be spent by the end of 2026.

But, building something like a mental health facility is a long, complex process of permits, construction, and more.

Maughan worries that if the county doesn't identify a site in about a week, the planned mental health facility won't materialize and the funds will need to go to other projects.

In Maughan's view, "We've always had a plan for the jail. We never had a plan for Oklahoma City taking us hostage and then not going ahead and being a good team player."

This follows efforts the city denied to put the jail near the Will Rogers World Airport and at 1901 E Grand Blvd.

Maughan previously stated the county may still pursue the E Grand Blvd site, however.

Organizers also questioned whether using the ARPA funds for the mental health facility is legal in a letter sent to officials in Washington, D.C.

In response, Maughan explained that consultants and the district attorney have already approved the plan.

On Monday, the county commissioners will consider sites previously considered for the new jail and mental health facility but not pursued: SW 74th St and Rockwell and Reno Ave and Exchange Ave.