Funding Cut Off Affecting I-44 Project

Another roadblock has come up in the widening of I-44 through Tulsa.  The federal government plans to cut off highway funds to the states as soon as next week.  And, it's already stopped progress on I-44.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation delayed the buyout of several office buildings on Monday, including Tulsa Towers Inn near 3300 East Skelly Drive, because they're not sure the federal government will live up to a promise to pay for it.

The pizza comes by the slice at Mario's Pizzeria, a family owned business in the same spot for 22 years.  But, with I-44 right behind the restaurant, they're being forced to move.

"I don't think it will affect our business, our clientele.  Our customers have been good to us.  They've been faithful," said Sally Selvaggi with Mario's.

The only thing in doubt is whether ODOT will have the money to buy them out.

At a meeting in Oklahoma City, the transportation commissioners delayed the buyout of four Tulsa office buildings needed to make room for I-44.

"Work will come to a stop if something doesn't happen fairly soon," said ODOT's Gary Ridley.

The uncertainty of the delay might force contractors to lay-off their employees.

"If we have other work, they'll work, if not, they're just going to have to go home.  They're all paid by the hour and if they don't work, they don't get paid and it's like a temporary layoff," said Bob Lemon with Haskell Lemon Construction.

The state's largest highway project, the Crosstown in Oklahoma City, is threatened as well.  In Tulsa, the chokepoint on I-44 is a highway safety and capacity issue.  But, for business owners, it's their future at stake.

"I don't know exactly what I can buy and what I can't buy right now.  I'm using my own money and I don't like that," said Sally Selvaggi with Mario's Pizzeria.

The action by ODOT could be reversed quickly if the feds come through with the money, but ODOT has no assurances, at this point, the money will come, at all.