Oklahoma Governor Seeks to Expedite Repair of Roads, Bridges

With widespread damage to roads and bridges as a result of recent flooding, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin is seeking expedited bidding for county infrastructure projects.

Fallin said the full extent of the county-level flooding damage is still unknown since many roads remain underwater. But she says she’s asked the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to expedite the process for awarding contracts.

Some legislators have criticized Fallin and Republican leaders for this year’s budget agreement that diverts about $70 million from a fund used to pay for improvements to county roads and bridges.

Fallin already has declared a state of emergency for all 77 counties in the wake of extensive flooding. She toured flood damage in central and southern Oklahoma on May 27.