The Oklahoma House Appropriations and Budget Committee approved a $40 million bond package for the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum but not without some grumbling.

The state has already invested $66.3 million in the project, which remains unfinished after five years of construction. “There is frustration,” Rep. Earl Sears (R), the chairman of the committee, said yesterday, The Oklahoman reported. “With that amount of money, you'd think you could build a bridge three or four times.

The committee voted 12-4 to approve the package, which requires supporters to come up with $40 million in matching funds.

Separately, the committee approved a bill to disband the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission, which receives about $192,000 from the state every year.

Get the Story:
House panel approves bond package for American Indian museum (The Oklahoman 5/13)
Proposed $40 million bond for American Indian cultural center debated (The Tulsa World 5/13)

Related Stories:
Oklahoma governor wants to finish work on Indian museum (5/10)