Tulsa World
By GAVIN OFF World Data Editor
Published: 3/15/20112:22 AM
Last Modified: 3/15/20115:56 AM
Even with the approval to build a bridge capable of carrying high-speed trains and the acquisition of $2.25 million in federal grants to complete studies for high-speed rail, state transportation officials said it is unclear if such trains will ever connect Tulsa to Oklahoma City.
Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation said the federally funded bridge and studies would put the state in position to take advantage of high-speed rail service if the federal government continues to push the policy and make funds available.
They added that Oklahoma taxpayers have yet to make a financial commitment to the trains.
"The federal government made funds available, and we're trying to capture those funds to do the appropriate studies," said David Streb, director of engineering for ODOT.
Once ODOT receives the grant later this year, the state will contribute an additional $750,000 for the studies, Streb said.
The studies Streb referred to are an environmental impact statement and a service development program. They will likely begin later this year and take about three years to complete.
Streb said the environmental impact statement will examine how a line would affect things such as waterways, historic buildings and burial grounds... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Tue, March 15, 2011
by John Cox