Ports of Catoosa, Inola To Receive Funding For Infrastructure, Broadband Expansion

An Oklahoma lawmaker says federal dollars from pandemic relief will be heading to the Ports of Catoosa and Inola to build infrastructure and expand broadband.

State Rep. Logan Phillips sits on the joint committee to allocate funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. He said the Sooner state will receive about $1.87 billion in funding. Phillips said $14 million will be split between the Tulsa Ports of Catoosa and Inola for infrastructure and broadband. He said the money will help Catoosa become a central distribution hub in the country, and could help ease nationwide supply chain disruptions.

Industrial parks, including Tulsa Ports, have been applying for funding. Tulsa Ports Economic Development leader Andrew Ralson told News On 6 that money will be invested into a vital area in Inola.

“The last piece of critical infrastructure for Tulsa Port of Inola as our future industrial park is wastewater,” said Ralston.

$10 million is expected to go towards replacing and improving infrastructure in Inola.

“We know that as the industrial park grows, we’re going to need the town to be supported in order to grow their population for the workforce and to make sure their citizens have the quality of life that they need,” said Ralston.

Lawmakers are expected to present the funding proposals for the ports to the State House for final approval at the end of the month.