WHO: Oklahoma Department of Tranportation
WHAT: Of 6,773 bridges statewide, only 63 are slated to be replaced using $465 million in stimulus.
WHY IT’S AN OUTRAGE:TheRoadInformationProgramreportedin2002thatOklahomahadthehighestpercentageofdeficientbridges in the nation, with one-third of the state’s bridges 20 feet or longer in need of repair or replacement. But federal requirements to spend the stimulus quickly made it difficult to funnel money into extensive bridge repairs that typically take years of planning and construction. Shovel-ready doesn’t mean necessary.
WHERE TO VENT: Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Office of Media and Public Relations,405-521-6000
