MUNICIPAL ISSUES
OKLAHOMA RIVER BRIDGES The Chamber supports construction of iconic bridges on Interstate 35 across the Oklahoma River. Replacing existing river bridges with landmark bridges would showcase Oklahoma City at the confluence of two major U.S. interstate highways (Interstates 35/40) and facilitate increased sporting events and tourism in the Horizons District, Boathouse District, the Chickasaw Nation’s First Americans Museum/OKANA resort, as well as enhance connectivity across the river. MASS TRANSIT/COMMUTER RAIL The Chamber supports implementation of transit programs that will best serve central Oklahoma including the Central Oklahoma Transit and Parking Authority (COTPA) 2005 Fixed Guideway Transit Study and its following component: • The updated plan of alternatives for high-capacity transit conducted by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). • Long-range regional transit plan The Chamber further supports efforts by the RTA, consisting of core central Oklahoma cities/population centers, to launch future regional transit services. The Chamber will work with the RTA, Oklahoma state Legislature, COTPA, municipal governments, ODOT and Class 1 railroads to conduct early-stage planning for introducing commuter rail service into downtown Oklahoma City from Norman and Edmond with potential alternative transportation options to Tinker AFB. Further planning consideration should be given to the potential future expansion of rail service to Will Rogers World Airport, with benefits for downtown access/convention center opportunities, and Yukon. INTERMODAL HUB The Chamber will work with the City of Oklahoma City (COTPA), the Class 1 railroads, ODOT, the Oklahoma state Legislature and ACOG to ensure the continued viability of the intermodal hub at the Santa Fe station that will effectively integrate various modes of transportation (including OKC Streetcar, Amtrak, bus, inter- city bus, future bus rapid transit and future commuter rail) and enhance economic development opportunities. The Chamber supports efforts to work with stakeholders to maximize alignment and development of future locally preferred alternatives for mass transportation. STREET IMPROVEMENTS The Chamber supports consideration and pursuit of all available funds for ongoing and future street improvements.
The Chamber is taking active steps with our partners to pursue the objective of extending the Heartland Flyer Amtrak service to Newton, Kansas, which would connect Oklahoma City to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and other locations on the national Amtrak system. Furthermore, the Chamber supports the designation of the entire Heartland Flyer line (Fort Worth – Oklahoma City – Newton – National Network) as a national Amtrak route within the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Rail Administration’s specific “Corridor Identification Program.” This designation would serve to assist with the multi- million dollar federal/state burden/cost-sharing and would strategically address a significant gap in the national Amtrak system. INTERSTATE COMMERCE The Chamber will oppose policies to limit the ability of Class 1 and short line railroads to conduct interstate commerce. The Chamber supports the development of technology and effective transportation strategies to increase the safety and efficiency of interstate commerce. For example, the Chamber supports existing state law allowing for the platooning of semi- trucks AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES The Chamber supports the creation of a regulatory environment that makes Oklahoma a leader in safely using autonomous vehicles and does so without restricting their deployment and further innovation. ODOT RAIL PLANS The Chamber supports implementation of the Oklahoma State Rail Plan and Oklahoma Freight Transportation Plan developed by ODOT. SEAT BELT LAW TO PROTECT CHILDHOOD SAFETY As the only U.S. state lacking such a sensible law, the Chamber supports passage of legislation to require those 8-17 years of age to wear seat belts while being transported in the back seat.
19
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online