Oklahoma Historical Society

PROJECT PURPOSE

ARPA-MWP-2102 - ADA / Safety - The Museum of the Western Prairie tells the story of the settlement and development of southwest Oklahoma. Most of the exterior exhibit space including two pole barns and the restored 1891 Cross S Ranch house are on an elevated berm that is accessible only via stairs. This project will provide a ramp from the courtyard to the elevated exhibits on an upper tier on the museum grounds with sidewalks. This includes partial demolition of a retaining wall and two pole barns along with construction of a new exterior exhibit barn. It also includes new perimeter fencing.

EVIDENCE

Our projects utilize local or regional contractors to perform the work and draw local, state and national visitation to the area thus boosting the local economy from construction activities and tourism for the area and state.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The communities and local businesses around this site were impacted by the state shutdown and the decline of tourism as a result of the COVID pandemic. The local communities, municipalities and businesses lost revenue from sales, lodging, taxes and other tourism related benefits. This project benefits everyone by employing local businesses to create or improve local attractions and facilities to improve local tourism and community programing. Jackson County has a population of 24,530 Altus where the museum is located is the only large city, and the majority of the population lives there (18,338). The main economic drivers in the county are the military, pulic administration, agriculture, and energy production. 14.4% of the population have veteran's status. The median income is $47,691, but 18% of the population live in poverty. Unemployment is 3%. 10% of the population under 65 are disabled. The median age is 34.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by visitation statistics with our current monthly statistical tracking system and tracking earned income at the site.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma