FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 5, 2012

Democratic Leader Scott M. Inman
State Capitol Building Rm. 548
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
Contact:Valorie Owens
405-962-7604

Inman Praises Infrastructure Investment with I-40 Crosstown

Oklahoma City, OK (January 5, 2012) In response to the opening of the Interstate 40 Crosstown today, Democratic Leader Scott Inman, D-Del City, issued the following statement:

The opening of the I-40 Crosstown is a momentous occasion, not just for Oklahoma City but for our entire state. For years, reports have flooded our offices as to the critical need to upgrade our infrastructure. This is one major step of many we will take to be more proactive in addressing our aging roads and bridges. The new Crosstown underscores the importance of transportation to the economic health and viability of our state. That is why it is vital that in the coming session our governor and legislative leaders renew their commitment to our infrastructure rather than shortchanging it, as was the case last year.

In 2011, legislative leaders raided $100 million from the Department of Transportation’s revolving fund and left ODOT holding a $70 million bond debt. The Legislature and Governor’s fiscal mismanagement cut transportation funding by more than $30 million, despite the existence of badly needed repairs for our crumbling roads and bridges.

So House Democrats call upon our leaders to stop the financial shell games and legitimately invest in Oklahoma’s infrastructure. Our citizens and business leaders across this state deserve to drive on safe, quality roads and bridges, like the new I-40 Crosstown that was celebrated this morning.

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