An Internet site is being set up to allow Oklahomans to see how the state plans to spend money from the federal stimulus package, Gov. Brad Henry said Monday.

The governor also named state Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage to keep track of how state government spends the federal money.

"By posting all information on the Web and having the auditor oversee the process, we can bolster public trust and ensure an informed citizenry," Henry said.

Under the governor's plan, federal stimulus data will be posted on the state finance office's Open Books Web site, www.ok.gov/okaa. The site should be up later this week.

Oklahoma is to receive more than $2.6 billion over the next two years as its share of the $787 billion federal stimulus package.

The governor's office said Burrage will oversee how the federal funds are spent. Henry has asked members of his Cabinet to make sure guidelines are followed on how the money may be spent.

Burrage joins Secretary of State Susan Savage, who has been obtaining information about federal guidelines and potential uses for stimulus dollars, and state Treasurer Scott Meacham, who has worked with legislative leaders.

By Michael McNutt

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