ODOT Only Facing 7 Percent Budget Cut Instead of 40 Percent

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Transportation thought they were facing a 40 percent budget cut, but once the state budget is finalized, they expect to face a seven percent cut.

ODOT spokesperson Brenda Perry said the department's budget is not finalized since the state legislative and Governor Henry just signed off on the budget in the last day of the session.

"It's not all final, so we don't know exactly which projects will be affected," Perry said.

Perry said they've asked the legislature to give ODOT the ability to sell bonds to help make up the difference. They also want the state to agree to fund the debt service to pay the bonds back or they will have to come out with that money from themselves.

"We're trying to mitigate cuts just a little bit by having the ability to sell bonds. We're real interested in that because it will give us funds to pay off debt services," Perry added.

There will be no changes to the eight year plan on projects around the state.