Oklahoma bill to improve transparency with OTA passes transportation committee

A bill going through the state capitol aims to make the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority more transparent. News 9 has covered resident concerns, numerous lawsuits, and contentious city council meetings about OTA's plan to build the East-West Connector in Norman.

Rep. Danny Sterling (R-Tecumseh) filed a bill to boost transparency requirements for the agency. The bill passed the Transportation Committee this week, but OTA officials said the bill needs some edits. 

Years of debate between OTA and residents affected by proposed turnpike routes 

The nonprofit Pike Off OTA has led the opposition against OTA turnpike plans called Access Oklahoma. Pike Off OTA President Amy Cerato and a group of Norman residents have fought against the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma plan to build a turnpike corridor with hundreds of homes in its path. 

Call for more transparency within OTA’s planning process 

Concerns about OTA’s planning process inspired Sterling’s bill. The measure would require OTA to conduct comprehensive studies before proposing new turnpike projects. The bill would also mandate OTA to send notice to property owners within one mile of any proposed turnpike route. 

“That’s what this bill is trying to do,” said Sterling, at Thursday’s committee hearing. "Let’s just collaborate and talk about these things. Let’s discuss it.” 

OTA’s opinion on the bill  

An OTA spokesperson said the bill could place a roadblock in its bond process, and could potentially cause delays for projects to begin. Sterling said he would update the language to fit the focus of the bill. 

“I am having some very good, positive, ongoing conversations with the OTA to address some of the language,” Sterling said. 

Sterling said he believed the bill would bring more clarity to a sensitive conversation. 

“It’s just trying to bring transparency and show the people that are affected what’s going on," he said. 

OTA said in a statement,

“The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is committed to transparency and continues to meet with Rep. Sterling to address our concerns with some of the bill language, which includes the order in which some processes take place. OTA looks forward to seeing the result to ensure that all citizens have clarity and confidence in OTA’s processes as we work to meet the state’s transportation infrastructure needs.” 

House Bill 1939 passed the Transportation Committee 9-3 passing vote. The bill will head to the Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee.