FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 14, 2011
PR# 11-048
RE: September Commission Wrap-Up: Federal funding issues discussed; $47 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, Sept. 12, meeting include a discussion of federal funding issues, recognition for innovation of outdoor advertising inventories, an update on observances of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s centennial and approval of contracts totaling nearly $47 million.
Addressing issues related to federal funding, which accounts for the majority of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s construction budget, Director Gary Ridley said the agency will be ready to act quickly, should Congress approve a proposed jobs bill, by accelerating critical projects already included in the agency’s eight-year construction plan.
“Congress has to do their work and make funding decisions,” Ridley said. “The department will be ready for whatever package comes out, regardless of the size. We will be able to move quickly.”
ODOT’s Outdoor Advertising Branch was highlighted after it won an Innovations in Outdoor Advertising Control Award for modernization efforts from the National Alliance of Highway Beautification Agencies for implementation of a cost-effective, statewide sign inventory project.
Ridley updated commissioners on activities related to the agency’s centennial observance, such as several scheduled open houses at division offices and the coffee table book, “ODOT100: Celebrating the First 100 Years of Transportation in Oklahoma,” among others. The book is for sale at ODOT’s main office by calling 405-521-2586 or at its eight division headquarters offices statewide. More information is available at www.okladot.state.ok.us/odot100/press/index.php.
Commissioners approved projects to build a five-mile stretch of SH-3 in eastern Atoka County on a new alignment to the north of the existing lanes. They also approved a contract for a series of bridges on SH-53 in the Waurika Wildlife Management Area east of Walters in Cotton County. They also awarded projects to install cable barrier at various locations along US-69 in Bryan and Wagoner counties and a nine-mile stretch of I-40 west of US-81 in Canadian County.
In all, commissioners awarded 36 contracts totaling nearly $47 million to improve highways, interstates and roads in 25 counties. Projects include bridge and highway construction and reconstruction, resurfacing and safety improvements.
Contracts were awarded for projects in Atoka, Beckham, Bryan, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Craig, Creek, Custer, Ellis, Hughes, Kay, Kiowa, McCurtain, McIntosh, Muskogee, Oklahoma, Osage, Pushmataha, Roger Mills, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.
The eight-member panel, appointed by the governor to oversee the state’s transportation development, awards project contracts for road and bridge construction every month. The panel’s next meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3, in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building in Oklahoma City.
Before a project is awarded, ODOT researches, plans and designs the work to be done. Contracts are bid competitively, with the OTC selecting the winning firm. Typically, work begins several weeks or months after contracts are awarded.
Contracts, bid information, the commission’s monthly agenda and project details can be viewed at www.okladot.state.ok.us.
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Posted on
Wed, September 14, 2011
by John Cox