River Tax Debate Continues

Tulsa County residents continue to sound off about a new Arkansas River plan. The $390 million plan calls for public money to match private investments. Monday was the second of four public meetings on the subject. Sunday night's discussion got pretty heated. The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports not as many sparks flew Monday, but the river debate is getting a lot of folks' attention.

It was standing room only at Hardesty Library in south Tulsa. Dozens of folks asked questions, even more signed up to express opinions.

Proponents say they want to take all of the talk about river development and finally turn it into action. They say the public portion, about $280 million, will pay for the infrastructure that will provide the foundation for private development, more pedestrian bridges, more low water dams, and they really want to turn the river into a destination for Tulsa.

Tulsa's young professionals say this could be what draws young people to the area. Of course, the opposition sees this as a river tax that will never go away. Others say things like fixing streets and roads should take priority.

There are two more public meetings Tuesday night and Wednesday night, and on Thursday, the Tulsa County commissioners will decide whether to put the issue to a vote of the people.

On Tuesday, a meeting will be held at the CityPlex Towers at 81st and Lewis. The meeting will be hosted by Fred Perry and will be held in the CityPlex atrium building. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. And on Wednesday, another meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at Central on Main at 210 North Main Street in Broken Arrow.

The Arkansas River development plan is the focus of a new News On 6-Tulsa World poll. We will have results of that poll Tuesday at 10 p.m.