Decision On Hike In Oklahoma Turnpike Tolls Put On Hold

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority board Tuesday morning delayed a motion to increase tolls.

During a meeting in Oklahoma City, the board tabled the motion to raise toll rates, because of a what a spokesperson said was pending litigation against the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

"Due to the recent litigation brought against the OTA, the board has made the decision to table the toll rate increase until litigation has been resolved," OTA spokesman Jack Damrill.

On Friday, attorney Jerry Fent filed suit over the issuance of the bonds, arguing that a 1987 law that authorizes the construction of turnpikes violates a constitutional requirement that laws deal with only one subject.

A September 20 hearing is set in that case.  

State officials last year announced plans to issue $900 million worth of bonds during the next few years to expand and renovate Oklahoma's turnpike system.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.