One form of transportation in the state was the subject of a State Senate interim study this week at the State Capitol—Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer.
Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer asked for the study because of his concerns that Texas benefits most from the route but only pays 40% of the funding while Oklahoma contributes 60%.
“I have several concerns I wanted us to look at. Texas and Oklahoma used to each pay the same amount in state contributions—it was a 50/50 split,” said the legislator who sits on the Senate Transportation Committee. “Now it’s closer to 60/40 with Oklahoma paying more, but Texas receiving more of the economic benefits.”
He contends the daily schedule favors Texas and is more convenient for riders traveling south than it is for those coming north.
“I’m also concerned that the contract only runs a year at a time. I think when we have cities in Oklahoma making major investments a longer term contract would be tremendously helpful.”
He pointed out that Oklahoma City is investing close to $30 million while his hometown in Ardmore is contributing almost $2 million.
“The long-term agreement question was not answered, but that’s something I’ve got to pursue with ODOT and probably with Texas.
Listen to Malia Bennett’s interview of Senator Simpson after the hearing.