Lawmaker says lawsuit threatens projects

(Tulsa-AP) -- A lawmaker is warning that a legal challenge to a state capital improvements bond package could stall or wreck several major construction projects.

State Representative Russ Roach, a Tulsa Democrat, says the lawsuit filed by John Cassidy Junior of Stroud threatens the state's issuance of $156 million in bonds this year.

The bonds are expected to fund more than 520 projects across the state. Roach says a lengthy legal challenge could delay construction starts.

Cassidy's lawsuit before the Oklahoma Supreme Court alleges that lawmakers inappropriately delegated their power to allocate money.

He says they did that by allowing Governor Keating to determine where most of about $52 million dollars in bond money would be spent.

State Supreme Court referees are expected to hear arguments on the merits of the case October 4th.