Published: November 03, 2009 11:51 am      

ODOT meeting important to area residents

One of the great advantages of living in a republic is the opportunity for residents to share their thoughts and have them heard by representative government. Such an opportunity will be provided on a subject of importance to all area residents this Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. at Ada Public Library. That is when Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials will make themselves available for local input regarding the department’s long range transportation plans.

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the process. ODOT’s long range policy plan will be the state’s guiding light for the next 25 years. It is updated every five years and contains information and policies for highways, airports, rural transit, waterways, rail, pedestrians and bicyclists, according to a press release from the department.

The plan addresses goals related to safety and security, accessibility and mobility, transportation system maintenance, freight and shipping options, transportation and the economy.

At this meeting residents may review, comment and discuss with ODOT personnel the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. According to the press release, residents will be able to discuss and provide comments to ODOT personnel on these and any projects they would like ODOT to consider for addition to future programs.

Comments will be received during the meeting or can be mailed to ODOT Planning & Research Division, 200 N.E. 21st St., Oklahoma City, 73105, or submitted to www.oklongrangeplan.com.

And while mailing suggestions or comments is a legitimate form of communication, nothing is better than face to face input.

For more information about ODOT’s Long Range Transportation Plan prior to the visit, access  www.oklongrangeplan.com.

Make plans to attend this important community meeting to learn more about what’s on the transportation department’s drawing board and to provide feedback as well as suggestions.

Ada Public Library is located at 124 S. Rennie, which is situated at the corner of Rennie and 12th Streets.

— Loné Beasley