Board approves corrective action for ACCESS Oklahoma plan; authorizes first Gilcrease Expressway Turnpike Authority Payment

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority board approved five agenda items related to corrective action regarding the ACCESS Oklahoma plan at its meeting Jan. 3. The items include re-approving multiple consultant contracts, adding the full scope of the contracts. The board’s previous votes on the contracts were voided by a judge’s ruling in the Open Meeting Act lawsuit. Today, board members approved the items, following an executive session and public comment. 

“It’s very important in regard of the Open Meeting lawsuit’s ruling that we bring corrective actions back to the board as expeditiously as possible,” said Secretary of Transportation and OTA Executive Director Tim Gatz. “We believe these steps are compliant with what Judge Olsen found to be lacking in previous agenda items.” Board members also approved the first annual Authority Payment of $4 million related to the federal loan for the Gilcrease Expressway Turnpike. 

The board, a six-member panel appointed by the governor to an eight-year term to oversee turnpike development, awards project contracts for road and bridge construction on a monthly basis.

The next Oklahoma Turnpike Authority board meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Commission Room, 200 N.E. 21st St., Oklahoma City. The meeting also will be available to view live online.