Lankford Applauds Completion of A-OK Railroad Bridge

Statement

Representative James Lankford (R-OK) was honored to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony today for the A-OK Railroad bridge across the North Canadian River. The completion of this first phase of the railroad revitalization project is the lynchpin for giving new life to industry in the eastern part of Oklahoma.

"I am excited about the possibilities this new bridge will provide communities in the eastern part of the Fifth District of Oklahoma and in the eastern part of the state," said Lankford.

The bridge once provided a vital connection for the east-west means of rail transport across the state. After the North Canadian River washed the bridge out more than twenty years ago, industry in the eastern part of the Fifth District and State of Oklahoma dramatically decreased.

"The dramatic decrease in jobs is why I made facilitating the reconstruction of this bridge a top priority when I took office," continued Lankford. "The Oklahoma private sector, state and local entities and sheer small business brilliance brought this bridge back to life.

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was helpful in the completion of this project. Their quick response to my request for expedited Clean Water Act permits enabled the private sector to move forward without delay. Oklahoma State House and Senate Members and the City of Shawnee worked diligently to see that this project reached completion. The Shawnee Economic Development Foundation also provided the synergy to help the Donoley Family maintain this project's momentum.

"As the railroad revitalization continues eastward into Arkansas, manufacturing and industrial facilities will have renewed access to materials and ports. Energy producers will be able to move products along the line, and countless jobs will be created in an area ready to flourish.

"When the federal government moves out of the way, the private sector can provide the hard work and innovation needed to complete important local economic initiatives like this. I look forward to the continued progress of the A-OK Railroad and to the jobs and economic activity it will create," concluded Lankford.

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