I was honored recently by the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association with an Oklahoma Legislative Award. I have always and will always continue to support our law enforcement agencies in any way I can.
This week, I attended a transportation interim study at the Capitol. State Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz gave a great overview of challenges facing his agency. The secretary oversees $60 billion net worth of our highway system, which is the largest public-owned asset in the state. This includes 12,300 of highway miles, 31,000 lane miles and 6,800 bridges.
Secretary Gatz also pointed out how fuel tax collections continue to decline as electric and more efficient vehicles continue to increase on our roads. We’re examining ways to make sure each motorist pays their fair share for transportation costs. It’s always been the fuel tax, but now we have to look at a fair tax for electric vehicle owners.
We also heard from many industry experts who presented challenges from their perspective.
Along this same theme, I recently met with southeast Oklahoma engineer Anthony Echelle. We discussed ongoing projects. In House District 17. We have three projects ongoing that are in various phases.
Highway 63 in Blanco in Pittsburg County is probably the most advanced as crews replace three one-lane bridges. This definitely will replace safety on this road.
ODOT also has planned to put shoulders along Highway 270, traveling east from the Pittsburg County Line to Gowen Mountain.
Recently, ODOT has started discussions with landowners on Highway 2 south of Wilburton.
As always, thank You for allowing me to serve you. I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim.grego@okhouse.gov
Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and part and Pittsburg County.
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