Bill > SB25

This bill amends the Rural Economic Transportation Reliability and Optimization Fund by changing several key provisions. The population threshold for counties eligible for fund assistance is lowered from 75,000 to 50,000 residents, which expands the potential rural areas that can benefit from transportation improvements. The bill directs the Department of Transportation to work with other state agencies like the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Oklahoma Tax Commission to confirm that increased traffic volumes are directly related to robust economic development. When such a relationship is confirmed, the Department can use up to 50% of the fund's proceeds to accelerate and prioritize highway improvement projects in the Eight-Year Construction Work Plan. Additionally, the bill appropriates $200 million from the General Revenue Fund to the Rural Economic Transportation Reliability and Optimization Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The legislation includes safeguards to ensure these funds enhance rather than replace existing transportation funding, with the State Board of Equalization required to annually review and report on the fund's usage. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and contains an emergency clause indicating its immediate importance for public safety and economic development.

Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb25&Session=2600