We Paid For It - Bridge In Reed

Each year, the state puts money into a fund so counties can make improvements to roads and bridges -- it's called the CIRB fund and it began in 2008. Beginning FY 2016, the state revenue going to the CIRB fund is capped at $120 million annually per HB 2244.

 The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, ODOT, directs the fund equally to its eight Oklahoma Transportation Commission districts through the five-year CIRB plan, which is approved by the commission. The Five-year CIRB plan is developed through coordination with county commissioners with assistance provided by their Circuit Engineering Districts. Highest priority, most critical projects as identified and validated by cooperative recommendation, selection and approval process are included in the plan.

 But one of those projects out of Greer County is up for debate on whether or not it was a waste of taxpayer's money. Crews completed the mile and a half long bridge in Reed in 2014. The cost was $4.4 million. It's a concrete bridge over the Salt Fork of the Red River -- an area seldom used and when it is, they crossed through the river bed because it's dry most of the time.

 Former Representative Mike Reynolds calls it quote "a nice bridge but a waste of taxpayer money."

While county commissioners and district engineers disagree -- saying the bridge is needed for safety reasons.

 "This particular road crosses the Salt Fork of the Red River and was without a bridge for many years since the county could not afford to replace it," said Monte Goucher, Circuit Engineering District 7 in Clinton. "If a taxpayer decided not to attempt to cross the river bed then a 25 mile detour was encountered. This project created a safe crossing for the traveling public and provided a much needed connection on a long time established rural collector route.