2022 Public Policy Guide

MUNICIPAL ISSUES Oklahoma River Bridges

Flyer Amtrak service to Fort Worth, Texas. Moreover, the Chamber supports ongoing efforts by ODOT to negotiate with the State of Texas and Amtrak to ensure Amtrak can be maintained as the passenger rail carrier. The Chamber supports continued dialogue on 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 Amtrak system. Furthermore, the Chamber supports designation of the Oklahoma City-Newton, KS line as a national Amtrak route. This would strategically address a significant gap in the national Amtrak rail system map and assist with Federal/State burden/cost- sharing to help ensure the viability of passenger rail. Interstate Commerce The Chamber opposes legislation to limit the ability of Class 1 and short line railroads to conduct interstate commerce. The Chamber supports 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 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 The Chamber supports passage of a new state law to require those 8-17 years of age to wear seat belts while being transported in the back seat.

The Chamber supports construction of clear span bridges on Interstate 35 across the Oklahoma River. Replacing existing river bridges with iconic 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 boathouse district. 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: • Commuter Corridors Study update being conducted on behalf of the RTA The Chamber further supports efforts by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), consisting of six core central Oklahoma cities, to launch future regional transit services. The Chamber will work with the RTA, 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 alternative transportation options to Del City and Midwest City. Further planning consideration should be given to potential future expansion of rail service to the Shawnee and Yukon areas. 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.

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