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. AUTOMATED WORK ZONE SAFETY The Chamber supports developing technologies critical to protecting the safety of the traveling public, ODOT personnel, and contractors within ODOT work zones which can become highly dangerous due to vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit. 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. SELECTED TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES The Chamber recognizes the important work Oklahoma tribal governments perform to enhance the transportation system and will work with them as needed in support of these endeavors. MUNICIPAL/COUNTY 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. We emphasize that addressing these bridge facilities in a timely manner is especially critical given Oklahoma City’s role as a staging site for the LA28 Olympics. 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. Further planning consideration should be given to the potential future expansion of rail/transit service to Will Rogers 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. ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION The Chamber will support the following (sidewalks; BRT; bike lanes; bus service; crosswalks; streetcar) provided appropriate consideration is given to negative traffic impacts and the use of scarce taxpayer resources. We further encourage a balanced, realistic, and thoughtful approach to the prioritization of Oklahoma City transportation needs.
FEDERAL ISSUES
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING The Chamber ultimately supports adequate funding for annual 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).
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