Lawmakers Say Selling Rail Line Hurts Oklahoma

Oklahoma lawmakers are getting behind a plan to stop the sale of a rail line from Tulsa and OKC.

ODOT currently operates the line, but is now considering sell the line. Some have voiced their opinions wanting the line to serve passengers between the two cities. Lawmakers now argue that businesses on the line already move product with the ODOT owned line.

"That's a huge economic benefit that has been overlooked," says District 56 (D) Rep. David Perryman.

Rep. Perryman says there are 12 to 14 growing businesses along the line that currently use the track to move product.

"That means new jobs in Oklahoma," says Rep. Perryman.

Perryman is supporting a House bill that would prevent ODOT from selling the line without the vote of a legislature.

Lawmakers feel if ODOT keeps the line, businesses can continue to operate and eventually daily passenger rail between Tulsa and OKC can become a reality as well.

1/14/2014 Related Story: ODOT Plans To Sell Railway Between OKC, Tulsa