Sen. McCortney wins approval for bill changing ‘SORC’ to ‘Washita Valley Complex’

State Sen. Greg McCortney won committee approval Monday for a bill renaming the closed Southern Oklahoma Resource Center in Pauls Valley. Under Senate Bill 7, the facility, long known as SORC, will be called the Washita Valley Complex.

The long-time institutional care facility provided residential care for adults with severe disabilities but closed in 2015 after the Department of Human Services decided to move residents to community-based services.

In 2016, the Department of Corrections signed a lease for the property and buildings. McCortney, R-Ada, said his legislation will help usher in the beginning of a new era for the facility.

“SORC’s closing was an economic blow to the area. But we’ve been working to find a new purpose for the buildings and property. We’re focused on finding a way to create new jobs for the area and this property can help us do that. Changing the name of SORC to the Washita Valley Complex is an important step in the process,” McCortney said.

McCortney’s legislation now moves to the full Senate for approval.