Rep. Eddie Dempsey
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, last week held an interim study to review the Oklahoma Department of Transportation project in Valliant that was contracted to Cummins Construction Company.
“This project went far beyond its contracted timeline, and our community paid the price,” Dempsey said. “People in Valliant deserve accountability. We cannot allow projects of this size to go unchecked while taxpayers and businesses suffer.”
The resurfacing project, which was originally contracted for 364 days, has instead taken more than four years to complete. The delay has caused significant frustration for taxpayers and challenges for local businesses.
Lawmakers heard from ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz, District 2 Engineer Anthony Echelle and other ODOT employees. Discussions focused on processes, the effectiveness of change orders, the efficiency of contracted winter break(s) and ideas on how to best keep contractors held to the contract.
Dempsey said the study was about more than one project.
“Respect for taxpayer dollars is non-negotiable, and respect for the people of this district is just as important,” Dempsey said. “We need to make sure the way contracts are managed and enforced reflects both of those priorities.”
Representatives of Cummins Construction were noticeably missing during the meeting.
Just days after the interim study was requested, members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives leadership team, along with Dempsey, received an email from the Executive Director of the Association of General Contractors (AOGC), on behalf of their member, Cummins Construction, stating that neither the AOGC nor Cummins Construction would participate in the study.
The interim study was held at the State Capitol and heard by the Appropriations and Budget Transportation Committee on Sept. 30.
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