Broken Arrow Bond Issue To Pay For Transportation Projects

Craig Day, News On 6

BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma -- Voters across Green Country will hit the polls Tuesday to decide on a number of races and bond issues.

The largest bond issue before voters is a $44 million one in Broken Arrow, of which 62-percent would go to transportation improvements.

Mayor Mike Lester says rapid population growth is the motivation behind the bond issue.

"We've grown 28,000 people in the last ten years. The needs of those people in roads, public safety, just so many different areas," Lester said.

The most extensive road project would be widening Aspen to five lanes, with the goal of eventually having five lanes all the way from the BA to the Creek Turnpike.

Lester says that will encourage commercial growth on the corridor.

Another $5.1 million would go toward park improvements, including a new events park on 120 acres near 101st and the Creek Turnpike.

Another portion of the bond revenue would be used to prevent flooding in Broken Arrow in the future. $2.3 million would be used to clear out creeks and build regional retention ponds.

The bond issue also covers public safety. The city is getting the current armed forces center when a new reserve center opens.

Part of $10 million set aside for public safety would renovate that facility into a public safety complex.

"That will be the first time that the police and the fire department and emergency management have been in the same building," Lester said.

City leaders hope if the measure passes, it will improve services and quality of life for current Broken Arrow residents and ones who will call Broken Arrow home in the future.

"This is just trying to meet not only the current needs the city has, but certainly looking into the future and addressing those needs as well," Lester said.

Voters in Bixby will decide four different propositions that make up a $10 million bond issue. It covers streets, parks and public safety.