ODOT Meeting Set to Hire Contractors

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY - The state Transportation Commission will meet on March 30 to hire contractors for 42 projects to be funded by federal economic stimulus money.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will accept bids on nearly $330 million worth of projects.

Department Director Gary Ridley says the state is required to have a purpose for nearly half of the infrastructure stimulus money coming to Oklahoma within 120 days of receiving the money.

Last week the legislative Black Caucus criticized the Transportation Department's bid awarding procedures, saying black contractors are not getting work from the state.

Ridley says he plans to request funding to help pay for a study of the issue, but he won't let this delay transportation projects.