244 to get 75 million in stimulus money

April 11, 5:08 PMOklahoma City Republican ExaminerRobert McIntosh

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The Tulsa World is reporting today that a three mile stretch of 244 will get 75 million in stimulus money.

The three-mile-long project, set to begin in the coming months, includes resurfacing the decks of about 40 bridges along Interstate 244.

But according to Federal Highway Administration data reviewed by the Tulsa World, many of those bridges had decks that were rated as “good,” “satisfactory” or “fair” as recently as last year.

Three bridges had decks that were rated in “poor” condition, data show.

Terri Angier, ODOT spokeswoman, said ODOT chose the IDL project in part because it could begin immediately since it didn’t need additional designs, permits and right-of-way acquisitions. Also, it will extend the lives of the bridges, she said.

That sounds all good and fine, but I can't help but wonder where all that money from tolls in this goes. Oklahoma has some of the most tolled roads in the country. Originally these tolls were to go to pay for these roads, but we all know how well the government is as putting money where it is supposed to go, now don't we?