ODOT preliminary budget discussed, districts recognized for safety excellence; $110 million in projects awarded
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2023
PR# 23-017
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, June 5, meeting include an update on the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s Preliminary Budget Work Program including a one-time budget allocation from the Legislature, programming of lake access road improvement projects, annual Safety Excellence Awards and a $33 million repaving project through Guymon.
Commissioners were briefed on the State Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget Work Program. A few highlights of the SFY 2024 budget include:
· the ROADS Fund received legislative authorization to expend the full statutory amount of $590 million to continue infrastructure investments in Oklahoma’s future
· a $17.5 million increase from last year’s appropriations to the State Transportation Fund base derived from motor fuel taxes
o $10 million designated for access improvements to industrial areas experiencing major developments as well as improvements to lake and waterway access
o $5 million to be used for public transit
Also included in the Fiscal Year 2024 General Appropriations bill, was a one-time funding allocation of $200 million authorized in the Rural Economic Transportation Reliability and Optimization Fund (RETRO Fund). Per RETRO Fund provisions, these resources will help accelerate construction, repair and maintenance of Eight-Year Construction Work Plan projects in qualifying rural areas that have experienced robust economic development causing an impactful increase to traffic volumes and safety concerns.
The Legislature’s continued support for infrastructure investment is greatly appreciated. The department especially expresses its appreciation to Transportation Appropriation sub-committee chairs Rep. Nicole Miller and Sen. John Haste for their leadership, understanding and advocacy for investment in the critical infrastructure and transportation needs of all types across Oklahoma.
The commission considered and approved the programming of 14 important Lake Access Road improvement projects across the state. These projects represent partnerships with county commissioners to improve access to Oklahoma’s lakes and recreational areas. This year’s program was one of the largest.
The meeting also included presentation of ODOT’s safety awards recognizing its nine districts and work units with the best safety ratings in 2022. The Governor’s Safety Excellence Award for the best overall record was given to District Three, which is based in Ada. This prestigious award is presented to the district that has the overall best safety record for the year demonstrating superior performance in leading the district’s safety program. The Progressive Excellence Award for the most improved safety record was given to District Two, which is headquartered in Antlers. Additionally, the Director’s Safety Excellence awards were given to the individual work units in each of ODOT’s field districts and the central office with the best safety performance.
The commission voted to approve a more than $33 million contract for paving five lanes of US-54 through the town of Guymon, which is a major trucking corridor. The project is estimated to begin in the fall and will take a little more than a year to complete.
Commissioners voted to award 11 contracts totaling $110 million to improve highways, roads and bridges statewide. The public may access a list of all awarded contracts at https://oklahoma.gov/odot/business-center/contracts-and-proposals.html selecting the May 11 and May 18, 2023 lettings.
The nine-member Oklahoma Transportation Commission, appointed by the governor and legislative leadership to oversee the state’s transportation development, awards contracts monthly for road and bridge construction.
Due to the Independence Day holiday, the next Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, July 10. The meeting will be available to view live via Ustream and past meetings are available at vimeo.com/odot.
