Pike Off OTA Leaders Running Out Of Options After Okla. Supreme Court Decision

A Supreme Court ruling takes the brakes off an Oklahoma Turnpike project. For some communities, it means economic opportunity, while others could lose their homes.   

The grassroots nonprofit has advocated for homeowners who are impacted by this plan. The group is almost out of options. However, it will likely take years before any construction begins. 

Tuesday’s Oklahoma Supreme Court decision built a divided highway before construction even begins. 

“It’s disgusting,” said Amy Cerato of Pike Off OTA. “The rule of law is completely dead in the state of Oklahoma.”  

Cerato disagrees with the court's decision to green-light a $5 billion Access Oklahoma plan to build three new routes.   

“I would say the word would be ‘distraught,’” said Cerato, after reading the court’s opinion. 

One proposed route would cut right through Norman homeowners’ backyards.  

“The people who get hurt are the common citizens who get up and go to work every day,” Cerato said. 

Cerato’s home was in the proposed path, but her property rests next to Lake Thunderbird. Federal title lands prevent development to protect this environment. 

“Because it would affect the quality of the water,” Cerato said. “But there’s a whole new set of homeowners in the state of Oklahoma that have no idea that the turnpike is coming through their living room.”  

These projects are positive for some communities. News 9 visited Davenport in April, it’s a place where people can’t wait for a new Turnpike exit. A gateway to their town could shift their local economy into a new gear.   

Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz says it will take months to get organized and set a permanent plan. 

“We pledge as we always have to work diligently and with care with those impacted,” Gatz said. 

Cerato has one more option. She said they will consider taking their case to the federal level at the U.S. Supreme Court to pump the breaks on this proposed highway. 

OTA still has to seek approval to issue bonds for this project and enter the bond market.