FEDERAL ISSUES Surface Transportation Funding
The Chamber ultimately supports adequate funding for a multi-year reauthorization of the federal surface transportation program, with continuation of a responsible formula allocation to the states. The Chamber will work with the Oklahoma Congressional delegation and ODOT to secure a permanent funding solution for the Federal Highway Trust Fund (including mass transit programs). The Chamber supports adequate funding levels to properly maintain the national transportation system. Federal Capital Improvement Grants The Chamber supports continued funding for SMALL STARTS, NEW STARTS, INFRA, RAISE, bus and bus facilities grants. Mike Monroney Center (FAA)/Associated Federal Agencies The Chamber supports the continued viability of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center as a strategically important national asset for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and further supports the continuation of its other essential federal government activities in the state. Clean Air Nonattainment The Chamber will work with the Oklahoma congressional delegation, ODOT, ACOG, the City of Oklahoma City, the private sector, and additional partners to take necessary proactive steps to ensure the Greater Oklahoma City region is not designated as being in nonattainment of federal air quality standards. National Air Quality Standards Ground-level ozone concentrations in the OKC area have been high and the region runs a significant risk of violating federal air quality standards (National Ambient Air Quality Standards – NAAQS). Therefore, the Chamber supports maintaining NAAQS at their current level and will oppose any efforts to make them more stringent, which could result in severe negative economic impacts in our region. Freight Rail Regulation The Chamber opposes any effort by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to impose additional economic or operational regulation on freight rail operators.
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. OKC Streetcar The Chamber supports efforts to ensure the continued viability of the Oklahoma City Streetcar system. Bus Service The Chamber supports greater frequency, expanded routes and expanded service hours for bus routes. The Chamber further encourages regional dialogue on providing enhanced bus service. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) The Chamber supports implementing bus rapid transit on key routes in Oklahoma City tied to the 2005 Fixed Guideway Transit Study and updates to that study, and the implementation of future MAPS 4 route updates. Parking The Chamber supports continued construction of additional parking and viable park and ride locations, as appropriate on a case-by-case basis, to allow continued economic development downtown. Alternative Transportation The Chamber supports increased construction of sidewalks, trails and bike lanes. In addition, the Chamber supports proper implementation and consideration of bike shares, car shares, scooter shares and future technologies on a case-by-case basis.
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