Oklahoma Energy Education Foundation

PROJECT PURPOSE

This proposal requests a $34 million dollar investment in public transportation infrastructure for Blaine, Canadian, Garvin, Grady, Kingfisher, McClain and Stephens counties and the municipalities within those counties. These counties represent approximately half of all oil and natural gas production in Oklahoma and have experienced increased road usage in recent years. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation would administer the grant program. The local governments listed above could apply for funds to pair with local funds for the maintenance and construction of road infrastructure in these areas. Priority would be given to projects designated as oil and natural gas traffic routes with grants allocated for projects to improve roadways negatively impacted by increased oil and natural gas activity. $20 million shall be used for municipalities and $14 shall be used for county governments. Each county shall not receive more than $2 million in total and must match 50% of its allocated grant funding. Each municipality shall not receive more than $2 million in total and must match 25% of its allocated funds. ODOT may award less than the application asks for and should be awarded at its discretion.

EVIDENCE

Multiple conversations over many months with elected and appointed officials in the targeted counties and on-site visits validate the need for ARPA funds to address these needs. The pandemic dramatically impacted local tax receipts supporting road repair as new oil and natural gas exploration and production in these areas was effectively shut-in.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Unemployment among vulnerable populations within targeted counties peaked as a result of the pandemic with disproportionate impact among those working in ,or seeking work in, the oil and natural gas industry. The ratios of those living below the poverty line in four of the seven counties herein targeted for relief are near or exceed the state average of those living in poverty. These vulnerable populations depend on this effort's transportation routes to reach employment opportunities.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Oklahoma Department of Transportation would administer the program, collect and retain all programmatic data and performance metrics.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma