From the Desk of Rep. John Talley, District 33
(House of Representatives, OKC) — This week, I want to provide a brief update on several infrastructure projects in and around House District 33.
In Logan County, State Highway 33 near Langston and Coyle is undergoing work. The bridge construction has been completed, but earthwork operations are continuing and moving east. The construction for Langston and Coyle intersections will begin in September to prepare to turn SH-33 into four lanes between the two towns.
There are also several ongoing projects in Payne County.
At the intersection of State Highway 33 from State Highway 18/Little Ave. east through Cushing, the work is ongoing to finish sections of sidewalk. Asphalt crews plan to begin the asphalt mill and overlay section of the project in front of Atwood’s extending west in the upcoming months.
SH-18 south of State Highway 51 is undergoing widening and resurfacing, and the earthwork had been completed south of the Cimarron River. The dirt contractor continues to move north towards the SH‐51 junction. Asphalt crews are to return by the end of the month and will resume work north of the Cimarron River.
The work to widen and resurface SH-18 north of the SH-51 junction is nearly complete. The roadway has now been fully opened to traffic, but the contractor is still placing sod throughout the project limits.
The asphalt resurfacing of SH-51 from U.S. 177 to Fairgrounds Rd. east of Stillwater was recently completed, as well as U.S. 177 extending south to SH-33.
US-177/Perkins Rd. in Stillwater is undergoing resurfacing but is nearly complete. The roadway has been fully reopened to traffic, but the contractor is working on a few small items before closing out the project.
The bridge over Stillwater Creek along US-177 is almost done as well. The bridge is reopened to traffic while the contractor finishes a few items on the substructure.
I want to thank ODOT engineer Trent January and his team for their work to identify these projects and keep the public informed on progress, as well as the contractors who are working tirelessly on these much-needed updates.
In other news, I recently attended a special unveiling of a $736,000 grant from the Potts Family Foundation to Our Daily Bread.
I have collaborated with the Potts Family Foundation on various initiatives at the State Capitol, including my work as co-chair of the Early Childhood Legislative Caucus. The nonpartisan nonprofit works to improve the lives of Oklahoma’s children. They especially focus on family support, preventative health care, early learning and high-quality child care.
This grant, which was funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, will be dispersed over two and a half years. With this money, Our Daily Bread can become a resource center for all of Payne County. Right now, ODB focuses on providing food assistance for people going through hard times, but now they can expand to help connect people with other resources as well.
I am so appreciative of the work ODB does in Payne County and I look forward to seeing how they use these funds for good!
I also recently received word that OSU has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). These funds will go to the OSU Student Farm, which works to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in Payne County. This grant will play a huge role in helping Oklahomans of all backgrounds who are working to lead healthful lives.
As always, please call my office at (405) 557-7304 or email me at [email protected] if there’s anything I can help with. Thank you for the honor of representing our district!
