Statement by Senator Kenneth Corn

“The Senate 2020 plan is the only plan that provides new money for bridge and road maintenance in Fiscal Year 2006. Under our plan, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will be able to both make increased payments on its debt service obligations and invest $52.1 million in bridge and road repairs in FY 2006.

“With our proposal Oklahomans will see results before the end of 2005. It will take three years before the House plan provides enough new money to ODOT to allow for increased bridge and road maintenance.

“Our roads and bridges need work now. The Senate Democrats’ plan doesn’t divert money away from public schools, public safety and other crucial state services and it doesn’t increase taxes.

“By keeping House Bill 1218 alive this morning, we hope that we can begin a dialogue with the House on this important issue. I am confident that once they see what our plan does, the House will agree with us that investing an additional $102 million in highway maintenance beginning next year is the best way to address the needs of our state’s deteriorating bridges and roads.”

Note: The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced House Bill 1218 Wednesday by reporting it out of committee on a “do pass” motion. The measure provides only $17 million in additional funding for ODOT in FY 2006. The Senate Democrats 2020 Plan for Bridges and Roads calls for an increase of $102 million in ODOT funding every year beginning in FY 2006.