Osage Congress turns down settlement payment with Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; OTA says $845,000 in tolls unpaid

The Osage Nation Congress turned down a proposed settlement payment with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, as proposed by Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear.

The Chief said it would eliminate a barrier to negotiations on a tobacco compact, but also cautioned Congress he wasn't sure if it would ultimately satisfy Governor Kevin Stitt enough to reach an agreement.

"Even if that agreement occurs, there's no guarantee Governor Stitt will accept it because it's a business deal, not a compact," said Standing Bear.

A spokesperson for the OTA said the settlement would have been a 10-year agreement on sharing registration information to enable OTA toll collection through the Plate-Pay system.

"We’re disappointed that an agreement was not reached today but will continue to work with the Osage Nation in good faith on this matter," said Lisa Shearer-Salim, with OTA.

Shearer-Salim said Osage drivers have accumulated $845,000 in unpaid tolls from May 2023 to June 1, 2025. Under the proposed settlement, the Osage Nation was going to pay $225,000.

Chief Standing Bear’s office has not reported the next step after the payment was denied. In his presentation to Congress, he said the payment would eliminate a point of conflict with the governor and the attorney fees that go along with litigation.