Tulsa World: Sooners split on rail measure

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Sooners split on rail measure
Three U.S. House members vote to cut funding for high-speed rail projects.

NAYSAYERS
Republican U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas: All three say they support the concept of bringing high-speed rail to Oklahoma, but they cite excessive spending and other needs, such as highway funding, as greater priorities.

By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau
Published: 7/25/2009 4:13 AM
Last Modified: 7/25/2009 4:32 AM

WASHINGTON — Oklahomans in the U.S. House split their votes on whether to keep annual funding for high-speed rail projects at the level proposed by the Obama administration or to boost it by $3 billion.

Republican Reps. Frank Lucas, Tom Cole and Mary Fallin voted this week to cut the funding level included in an annual spending bill, while Republican Rep. John Sullivan and Democratic Rep. Dan Boren voted to keep it.

The amendment to reduce the annual funding from $4 billion to $1 billion failed by a vote of 136 to 284.

Earlier this month, Oklahoma took an initial step to apply for funding for a high-speed rail that, if successful, could return passenger service to Tulsa.

A cost estimate for that project has been put at just less than $2 billion.

"The stimulus package passed in February of this year already increased funding for high-speed rail by $8 billion," Lucas said. "While I have always supported the expansion of high-speed rail in this country, I believe this is a sufficient amount of funding for this endeavor at this time."

Cole said he supported the amendment to reduce the funding level to the amount suggested by the administration because federal spending is out of control.

"This is the biggest-spending president in the history of the country," he said. "So an initiative that spends $3 billion more than he requested surely ought to be trimmed back."

Cole expressed support for the concept of investing in high-speed rail infrastructure, but he added that perhaps it should not be viewed as a major national priority, given the current economic circumstances and the explosion of government red ink.

Fallin cited the current deficiency in the Highway Trust Fund, adding that it needs to be addressed to maintain existing highways.

"Right now, that is the most responsible investment of taxpayer money," she said.

"I support bringing high-speed rail to Oklahoma when it makes economic sense to invest in it."

Rep. John Olver, D-Mass., who managed the huge spending bill that included the rail money, said the additional funding was needed to keep the momentum going for high-speed rail.

Olver described the new push for rail in the United States as the most important transportation initiative since the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System.

Preapplication requests already submitted for projects total $100 billion, he said.

"If we do not add significantly to that, as this bill does do, by adding $4 billion to the $8 billion that is already there, then people will lose faith or wonder, 'Are we in this seriously?' " Olver said.

The spending bill, which would provide money for transportation and other areas, passed the House.

Jim Myers (202) 484-1424
jim.myers@tulsaworld.com By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau

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	Report Comment Eric, Tulsa (7/25/2009 7:12:54 AM) ... We pay...and pay...and pay for those blasted toll roads (which always seem to be under some sort of repair). We pay and pay for our local streets and to widen them, but they never seem wide enough to handle the traffic or are free of potholes. ... At what point will we wise up and pay for both high speed and light rail? These two types of public transportation will serve us well fare into the future. And we can wave "bye-bye" to those stuck on the Turner Turnpike. ... .. .
	Report Comment Inquisitive, (7/25/2009 9:20:48 AM) The only surprise here is that Rep. Sullivan got off his idealistic bandwagon long enough to support something to help Tulsans. Don't expect the other Republicans to back anything unless it's strictly for the OKC area. They know Tulsa will vote Republican so they don't have to worry.
	Report Comment my view, Sand Springs (7/25/2009 9:25:08 AM) I'm in full support of rail service to Tulsa, time is now and we should do it.
	Report Comment moogle, Tulsa (7/25/2009 9:36:20 AM) Folks who want the money spent on rail should identify what other areas of spending should be cut to pay for it and get their congress people working to cut those areas. So far, this Congress and president have thrown piles of money at everyone's concept of a good idea with no concern about where the money will come from.
	Report Comment Mar, Tulsa (7/25/2009 10:31:49 AM) I'm for light and high speed rail service (perhaps monorail?) for Tulsa, surrounding areas and across Oklahoma. It would alleviate wear and tear on our streets, highways and toll roads. There would be less wrecks on the roads with less vehicles on those roads. The semis would not have as many vehicles to watch out for. The elderly would be able to travel easier, especially the elderly that are no longer able to drive. People that have had too much alcohol wouldn't need to drive a vehicle, thereby less accidents. It would save on fuel since vehicles would not be used as much and also that would decrease pollution in the air from the vehicles. While riding a train people could read, relax instead of being stressed out sitting at a congested intersection, etc. There are way more pluses than minuses of having rail service. I'm sure there are many areas of expenses that can be cut to have more money for rail services.
	Report Comment Daniel Day Simpson, Edmond (7/25/2009 11:15:47 AM) Mar is right on every point. We are just 20 years behind the curve. I'll put on that broken record just one, more, time and say New Jersey does it right. Their population is much higher but a comparable trip between Oklahoma City and Tulsa over there is done with 5 tracks. The middle one is high speed rail. Anyone who travels the Turner knows its always jammed. I know, just try to get permission to shut it down for just 5 minutes. They will not let you. So we work between the trucks to do crash simulations where people were either killed or maimed. We do it mostly with computerized animations but you do need to go out and get real video. Of course it was the best thing I've ever seen when we did a case against the Braums Corporation. It was total serendipity that a Braums truck came along at the exact moment when we needed it. At the deposition where we showed it Braums asked how we got their truck in the video. They specifically wanted to know if we had any contact with that driver.
	Report Comment sirwinston, (7/25/2009 5:46:22 PM) I am currently circulating a petition to abolish the toll roads in Oklahoma. So far, everyone wants to sign it. I'm tired myself of paying for it. I think if we eliminate the toll workers and get rid of the toll booths, we'll save tons. WE could pay down the debt quicker by simply taxing gas only .01 cent a gallon and then everyone pays and everyone can use the turnpikes. I think federal dollars should help fund our roads. The Turnpike must be stopped.
	Report Comment Eagle 4, Tulsa (7/25/2009 7:12:18 PM) What turnpike? I spent the day on a leisurely drive to and from Ponca City and I must say it was an excellent and enjoyable drive - no traffic going and the beauty of offpike Oklahoma was awesome. As for the future, rail service will inexorably come as sustaining personal vehicles in huge numbers will become impossible. And the savings(and road space) will be astronomical, not to mention the lives saved.
	Report Comment tulsagerry, Tulsa (7/25/2009 7:28:14 PM) Trust OKC to vote NO! To hell with that Truck Stop WE NEED THE TRAIN!
	Report Comment Joe5, Bixby (7/26/2009 1:06:22 AM) Wasn't it not too long ago that someone was talking about commuter trains in the Tulsa area. High speed or commuter, it's not happening! It's a pipe dream. OKC has train service and free roads. Who cares about Tulsa?
	Report Comment Bedazzled, (7/26/2009 8:44:27 AM) What Polar Bear said.

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