Senator Jech Examines Long‑Term Challenges for OK’s Transportation System

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Darcy Jech, R‑Kingfisher, on Thursday held an interim study to learn more about Oklahoma’s infrastructure challenges and discuss new funding needs to improve roads and bridges statewide.

Jech, chairman of the Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee, said he wanted the study to clarify the long-term financial challenges Oklahoma’s transportation system faces from high inflation, uncertainty about federal funding and declining gas tax collections as electric vehicles become more popular.

Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz said the state is making measurable progress in improving state highways, roads and bridges, but the needs are growing faster than current investment levels can address. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation spends about $1 billion a year on statewide transportation infrastructure through the state’s eight-year construction work plan.

Record-high post‑pandemic inflation has eroded the agency’s purchasing power, driving up project costs and limiting how far ODOT’s dollars can stretch, Gatz said. He also stressed that delaying road and bridge repairs increases the long-term costs.

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Chief Engineer Trent January echoed similar concerns, noting that many toll roads and bridges are aging and could require major repairs in the coming years.

Jech thanked Gatz for his presentation and for his 37 years of service, during which he played a key role in improving Oklahoma’s infrastructure.

“I appreciate Secretary Gatz and other transportation leaders for starting this conversation to ensure Oklahoma’s transportation challenges are being addressed now and in the years ahead,” Jech said. “Future Legislatures will have to take a serious look at diversifying transportation funding sources to keep Oklahoma from moving backward on all the progress we’ve made.”

Jech added that Oklahoma has come a long way in its transportation investments with the creation of the eight-year plan, a long-term vision for statewide infrastructure improvements, and coordinated efforts to address structurally deficient bridges.

“As a state, we’ve made major strides in improving the safety of our highways, roads and bridges,” Jech said. “We don’t want to lose that momentum.”