Infrastructure repair needs to be addressed through eight-year initiative, planning commission

OKLAHOMA CITY – A vote from the Oklahoma House of Representatives Tuesday could result in the creation of a eight-year plan to manage the state's infrastructure, as well as the Long-Range Capital Planning Commission (LRCPC).

House Bill 1910, created by House Speaker T.W. Shannon, will target Oklahoma’s infrastructure needs through an annual capital budget plan, which will stretch over the next eight years. This plan will be likened to the Department of Transportation's eight-year funding plan.

The measure was overwhelmingly approved by the House Tuesday. It is now set to move on to the Senate for approval.

Under the bill, several infrastructure committees will be consolidated, with that authority being redirected to the LRCPC. This commission will be responsible for liquidating any assets identified as underused by the Omnibus Asset Consolidation Act . Funds from that liquidation will be directed to the Maintenance of State Buildings Revolving Fund for future repairs.

The Omnibus Asset Consolidation Act requires the Office of Management and Enterprise Services address the state’s most underutilized assets. Oklahoma has been identified as one of the largest property owners in the state.