The Oklahoma Alliance for Public Policy Research is an independent 501c(3) non-profit organization whose interest is expediting and coordinating research efforts of well-respected professionals within the university community. The Alliance was founded in 1990 by Governor Henry Bellmon to facilitate formation of research teams from different universities for purpose of conducting research on public policy matters and to create a coordination mechanism among research universities. Membership of the Alliance is comprised of the Vice Presidents and/or Director of Research from Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma University Healthy Sciences Center, the University of Tulsa, and three other members including the President. The Alliance has received support in the past from EPA, O,G,&E, Kimberly Clark, Williams Companies, ODOT, Energy Resources Institute in CA, and the Agricultural Experiment Station. Four years ago, the Alliance signed an agreement with the Oklahoma City National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism to assist in operational areas as needed.