6/22/05-Gov. Brad Henry has signed a transportation funding plan intended to pump $170 million more each year into road and bridgework without raising taxes.
The new law, previously HB1078, adds $17.5 million next year for the state Transportation Department. Road and bridge maintenance will receive $15 million and $500,000 will go toward public transit.
The measure overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate shortly before lawmakers wrapped up their work for the year late last month. Henry put pen to paper on the new funding formula earlier this month. It takes effect July 1.
The plan includes a “lockbox” provision intended to keep future legislatures from diverting the new money from roads and bridges.
Contributions will gradually increase by either $17 million or $35 million each year during the next decade to a sustained level of $170 million annually, the newspaper reported. Funds are generated from surplus revenue in state reserves.
Until now, the highway agency received about $200 million annually from state fuel taxes for road and bridgework.

6/2/05-The Legislature overwhelmingly approved a transportation funding plan May 27 intended to pump $170 million more each year for road and bridgework without raising taxes.
HB1078 would add $17.5 million next year for the state Transportation Department. Road maintenance would receive $15 million and $500,000 for public transit.
House lawmakers voted 96-2 for the funding bill and sent it to the Senate, which passed it 48-0. The plan now moves to Gov. Brad Henry for the final OK.
The plan includes a “lockbox” provision intended to keep future legislatures from diverting the new money from roads and bridges.
Contributions would gradually increase by either $17 million or $35 million each year during the next decade to a sustained level of $170 million annually. Funds would be generated from surplus revenue in state reserves.
Currently, the highway agency receives about $200 million annually from state fuel taxes for road and bridgework.
For bill status, call (405) 521-2711. In Oklahoma, call 1-800-522-8502.