OTA Holds Public Meeting, Releases Plans For NE OK County Loop

Opposition to Oklahoma Turnpike Authority plans to build a 300-million-dollar Northeast Oklahoma Turnpike loop still has loud opposition.

Thursday, April 14, the OTA hosted its third public input meeting in the past two months at Harrah Church.

The OTA said the 21-mile expansion will be good for commerce. It will link I-40 to I-44 through Luther, Jones and Choctaw. However, many affected property owners say they feel betrayed by their state government.

“It’s heartbreaking. We’re Boeing transplants from Wichita. We came here in good faith, thinking Oklahoma would be good to us. Now, this thing is going to be 400 feet from my backyard,” said Newalla Property Owner, Kathy Houk.

The OTA counters said because of public input, the number of homes affected by the project has been reduced from 103 to 80.

2/18/16 Related Story: OTA Holds Public Meeting Over Turnpike Expansion In Choctaw