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Oklahoma has long been paying far more in federal transportation fuel tax than we ever get back in road construction. With 6 other federal interstate roads being planned for other regions of the nation, it's time for Oklahoma's congressional delegation and our state governor to press the federal government to invest in the heartland in a way that will boost commerce for the world's largest retailer and the recreational industries of the heartland.
Sooner Politics recommends building the first phase of an interstate highway which could eventually span from Tallahassee, Florida to Las Vegas, Nevada. Phase One is a segment from Bentonville, Arkansas to just south of Pueblo, Colorado. It connects to Bartlesville, Ponca City, Enid, Woodward, Guymon, and Trinidad, CO. Phase Two will lead eastward to Branson, MO; Jonesboro, AR; and Jackson,TN. Phase Three will descend southeastward to Huntsville, AL; Columbus, GA; and Tallahassee, FL. Phase Four will find a lower elevation pass through the south Rockies and connect Durango, CO; Four Corners, the Grand Canyon; St. George, UT; and bring travelers to Las Vegas, NV. The savings to Oklahoma's transit system will be substantive. And Oklahomans traveling to vacation spots will love the time and fuel savings. |
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Other states would do well to join this effort. the Branson entertainment industry will love having an interstate in their vicinity. so will Eureka Springs. The ski industry in Colorado will have a much easier time convincing Oklahomans to make the trip when it's a 3 hour shorter drive.
Walmart will save millions in transportation costs from their Bentonville, AR headquarters. they currently tear up thousands of miles of state highways at a great cost to Oklahomans. But in the Sooner State we will see a big boost to the Grand Lake recreational area. Our northern Oklahoma travel spots like Woolaroc, Bison & Tall Grass Reserve, Little Sahara, Goss Mtns., Alabaster Caverns, Black Mesa, and other remote locations will become featured & accessible to travelers across the nation. Folks from mid America will have a direct drive to the Florida Atlantic Coast & The Grand Canyon. |
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When President Eisenhower developed the Interstate Transportation & Defense Highway System, his inspiration was the Reichsautobahn of Germany. He knew America's national defense would need a rapid mobilization of arms & troops in a time of national emergency. We have demonstrated a glaring gap in the current system.
If you think these southern cities are not big enough to support or justify the new interstate being proposed, well, neither was Indianapolis, IN, back in 1960, when 3 major interstates were designated to intersect that little city. Walmart already convinced the federal govt. to construct I-49, connecting Bentonville with Kansas City, as well as I-44 & I-40.
Other politicians from other states have done well to take Oklahoma's share of federal transportation tax dollars. It's time that our own delegation demand our portion back. Send us your comments or other transportation ideas.
If you think these southern cities are not big enough to support or justify the new interstate being proposed, well, neither was Indianapolis, IN, back in 1960, when 3 major interstates were designated to intersect that little city. Walmart already convinced the federal govt. to construct I-49, connecting Bentonville with Kansas City, as well as I-44 & I-40.
Other politicians from other states have done well to take Oklahoma's share of federal transportation tax dollars. It's time that our own delegation demand our portion back. Send us your comments or other transportation ideas.
