We better act fast if we expect to capitalize on allof the fundraising Istook and Inhofehave done at the federal level.

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"Where's the money? Funding I-40 project needs city leadership
by Mary Mélon
The Journal Record
12/13/2004

I recently heard some powerful remarks by U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook, R-Okla., that should concern all of us as business leaders.
Our city and state has no designated funding source for the realignment of Interstate 40 that was approved by the Federal Highway Administration in 2002.

The approved design plans are strategic and align themselves very well with the long-term vision for developing downtown and the riverfront. But the reason for the realignment is even bigger than a development issue.

I-40 was built in the 1960s with a projected life span of 50 years and a plan for 76,000 maximum vehicles per day. The current load is 119,000 vehicles per day. The result - a badly deteriorating road, especially at the Crosstown Expressway.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation led the charge in looking for solutions and, in my view, did a great job pulling together a plan that serves as a "win-win" for city developers and citizens.

Congressman Istook has been instrumental in garnering more than $180 million in federal funds for the project. Normal federal share for a project like this is 80 percent, or $248 million in this case.

There is some chance of exclusive federal funding, however, that means a much greater expense and longer waiting time until completion. There is also some risk that, with the wait, all of the federal funds could literally go away if Istook and U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., lose their transportation chairmanships.

Since most projects of this nature are not completely funded with federal dollars, there is increasing pressure from other U.S. representatives to slow or eliminate funding.

Why would we want to take the chance of waiting? There are great plans for continued development that will be impossible until the project is finished. And, of course, there is a risk of some terrible human disaster resulting from the deteriorating condition of the road.

What is the solution? First and foremost, city leaders need to pay attention.

I am pleased to say that newly inducted Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Chairman Fred Hall hears the call and has put this issue high on the chamber's priority list.

The chamber has led many successful efforts in the past, and I am sure that this will be no exception. Whether it is a call for a bond issue, public/private partnership campaign, requests for state appropriations or a combination of all of these, I believe we will be hearing much more on this issue in 2005.

Please be ready to assist.


Mary Mélon is the publisher of The Journal Record. You may reach her by fax at 278-2890 or by e-mail at mary.melon@journalrecord.com. "