Critics Say Pothole Plan Full Of Pork

While the multi-billion dollar plan was pitched as a way to plug the city's potholes, critics say it's overflowing with extras.  The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports the plan includes more than $150 million worth of projects that have nothing to do with streets.

Tulsa City Councilor Bill Martinson says the projects aren't extras, but necessary maintenance.  And, it's a fraction of the overall plan.

"I have a big problem with the fact that there are other projects in this," said Tulsa City Councilor G.T. Bynum.

There's $24.2 million to maintain Tulsa's police stations.  Another $26.2 million is set aside for the city's fire stations, plus another $19.5 million for two new fire trucks.

"Those are to replace critical assets and systems as they wear out. These are needs not wants," said Tulsa City Councilor Bill Martinson.

In addition to public safety, Tulsa's arts community would also get a few multi-million dollar handouts.

More than $24 million has been ear-marked for the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.  Martinson says the money would update the facility's heating and air system.  Gilcrease Museum would also pick up about $10 million to fix its roof.

"Gilcrease is a world-class museum. We would be remiss if we did not take care of an asset as valuable to the City of Tulsa, as Gilcrease Museum," said Tulsa City Councilor Bill Martinson.

There's also about $68 million in the plan to update the city's accounting system. 

Bill Martinson says many of these items traditionally would have been paid for through the third-penny tax.  Since the new roads package takes over that tax, he felt it was important to include these other projects.