News Archives

Too Many Red Flags to Approve a 1.5 Billion Dollar OTA Bond Issue Without Due Diligence

December 4, 2024— “There are just too many red flags for the Council of Bond Oversight (COBO) to approve the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s 1.5-billion-dollar bond issue request that’s on their agenda for their December meeting,” stated Tassie Katherine Hirschfeld, Ph.D. a researcher for Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation. Three objections to the OTA Bond request have […]

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Oklahoma House and Senate Vote Overwhelmingly to Override Governor’s Veto of Turnpike Board Appointment Legislation

News / Pike Off OTA

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA May 25, 2023—Today the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate voted overwhelmingly to override the Governor’s veto of House Bill 2263, a bill that will change the way members are appointed to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Board. Before this legislation passed, the Governor made all six appointments to the OTA Board.

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Pike Off OTA’s Statement on the OK Supreme Court Ruling on May 23rd, 2023

News / Pike Off OTA

In May 2022, Pike Off OTA brought claims in Cleveland County District Court challenging the OTA’s legal authority to construct 3 proposed new turnpikes. Since then, there has been a motion to dismiss and an appeal to the Oklahoma Supreme Court in this district court case. Today’s ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court simply says

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Pike Off OTA - Oklahomans For Responsible Transportation Rally

PIKE OFF OTA statement on OTA decision to pause all ACCESS work April 14th, 2023

News / Pike Off OTA

Norman, Ok April 12, 2023–Pike OFF OTA is encouraged by the announcement that the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has finally decided to stop work on the ACCESS Oklahoma program. It is neither lawful nor appropriate for the OTA to continue to work on the legally unauthorized East West Connector, South Extension, or Tri-City Connector proposed new

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OK AG Gentner Drummond calls for audit of Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA)

News / Pike Off OTA

For Immediate Release: Oklahoma’s Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, calls for an audit of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA). In his letter to State Auditor Cindy Byrd, Gentner stated many concerns about their “blatant disregard for openness and transparency”. You can read AG Dummond’s full letter to Cindy Byrd below:

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Open Letter to Governor Stitt

Blog, News / Amy Cerato

Pike Off OTA sent a letter to Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-Okla.) on January 2, 2023 asking for him to replace Tim Gatz, the state secretary of transportation, and Joe Echelle, the deputy director of the OTA. Here is the letter. January 2, 2023 To the Honorable Kevin Stitt Governor of the State of Oklahoma Office

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Turnpike Expansions Will Harm State

Blog, News / Amy Cerato

Originally written by Tassie Katherine Hirschfeld and Amy Cerato and published in the Tulsa World on January 6, 2023. Tulsa World link. An effort is underway to expand turnpike construction under the guise of economic development. After reviewing the troubled history and past performance of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, we believe projects such as the

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5 Oklahoma citizens grin into the camera to celebrate their win against the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority

BIG WIN for Oklahoma citizens against the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority!

News / Darla LeBlanc

Oklahoma residents who accused the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) of hiding plans about a $15 Billion turnpike expansion got a big win this week. On December 1, 2022 Judge Timothy Olsen found the OTA to be in willful violation of the Open Meeting Act. This means all actions taken at the January 25 and February

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