Oklahoma Takes Bridge Plea To D.C.

By Scott Thompson and Dan Bewley, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Concerns over Oklahoma roads and bridges go to Washington.  Oklahoma's Director of Transportation testified on Capitol Hill on Wednesday morning.  Gary Ridley told senators a catastrophe awaits if the federal Highway Trust Fund is not restored.

Oklahoma has more highway projects funded by federal money than most states.  Negotiations are still underway to save a highway funding program, but the state is already asking contractors to put some projects on the shelf.

A $12 million road project is underway in Sapulpa.  Some 20 miles to the west, a $3 million dollar project is taking shape on Highway 48 in Bristow.  Tulsa's Becco Contractors is in charge of both.  

But last week, company officials got an unusual request from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

"Well, they just asked us if we'd mind, right now, just not doing anything until we hear back from them.  Basically, just on hold right now," said Kyle Wilson with Becco Contractors.

The state wants the projects on hold because there's worry the Highway Trust Fund will run out of money by week's end.  The 50-year-old fund gives money to states for road construction projects, but is facing an $8 billion shortfall.

Senator Jim Inhofe invited Oklahoma Transportation Director Gary Ridley to testify before senators about the problems the state could run into if the pending legislation that would save the fund is not passed.

"We rely 85% of our construction program, currently is federal funds. Consequently any disruption in making payments by the trust fund will have a dramatic effect on our cash flow," said ODOT Director Gary Ridley.

Depending on the year, as much as 50% of Becco's projects are federally funded.

"One in Sapulpa.  We've got one in Claremore.  One in Bristow, and some in Okmulgee," said Kyle Wilson with Becco Contractors.

Wilson says, right now, other city and county projects could make up for a loss in business.  But, there's worry the issue could snowball and, potentially, down the line cause major problems.  He doesn't understand how government leaders could let it get to this point.

"We're taught to take care of our own and then they don't take care of their own. It just makes you mad a little bit," said Kyle Wilson with Becco Contractors.

Senators Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn support a bill that would restore the trust fund, but both are worried about earmarks in the legislation.

Becco was set to bid next week on the I-44 widening project, but the state has also delayed that process because of the lack of federal money.

Related Story:

09/08/2008  Funding Cut Off Affecting I-44 Project