Transportation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Tulsa Community College and the University of Oklahoma will be the first schools to offer the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) to recruit more air traffic controllers.

Currently, the FAA has a shortage of 3,000 air traffic controllers. These vocational programs will offer the same curriculum and technology provided by the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy. Graduates will earn an endorsement certificate and immediately begin on-the-job training at an FAA facility.

FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker said, “We’re excited to have these schools become pioneers in this initiative as we build out these partnerships.”

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Calling all innovators! ODOT is receiving proposals for the development of electric vehicle charging stations along designated corridors alongside our interstates.

The federal funding can cover up to 80% of eligible NEVI project expenses, with a minimum 20% non-federal cost share required. This opportunity is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program Funding.

ODOT recommends interested applicants coordinate with the electric distribution utility serving their prospective NEVI site to assess power capabilities and engage with the local municipality to determine permitting and zoning requirements.

Click here for more information.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Fair Miles Oklahoma is seeking tribal participants for its transportation funding research program.

This new incentivized pilot program aims to identify the transportation funding needs of Oklahoma. The involvement of tribal representatives is crucial.

Tribal nations in Oklahoma receive 4.5% of the state fuel tax, which can be used for transportation infrastructure and related projects. By participating in Fair Miles Oklahoma, tribal members can voice their opinions and play a vital role in shaping the transportation study.

The program aims to recruit a minimum of 100 participants from Oklahoma’s tribal nations to ensure their representation in this historic transportation study.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority are launching a campaign called “Make it Home Safe; Make Oklahoma Safe.” This campaign will encourage motorists to follow a few simple rules of the road such as buckling up, putting away distractions and slowing down inside work zones to help get everyone home safe each day when traveling.

This public outreach campaign launched by ODOT, OTA and its partners has a goal of reminding drivers about the need for extra caution and complete attention while driving in work zones.

For more information and details about the campaign initiatives, click here.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100, [source: oklahoma.gov press release]

Fair Miles Oklahoma, a state research program, is seeking participants for a pilot pay-per-mile program to explore alternative funding options for Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure. With fuel efficiency reducing fuel tax funds, the program aims to identify potential revenue streams while promoting fairness and sustainability.

The pilot will include 500 participants who will report their monthly mileage for six months starting in June 2023. Participants will complete surveys and receive $50 in gift cards.

The results will guide the state on future funding for transportation infrastructure maintenance and improvements.

Sign up at www.fairmilesok.com to volunteer and help shape Oklahoma’s transportation funding.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

With used car prices falling and one month of winter remaining, you might be wondering: is now the time to pull the trigger on a Miata?

Yes, but maybe not for the reason you think. Convertibles aren’t cheaper in the winter because they’re less fun to drive; they’re cheaper because most cars are cheaper. Demand for new and used cars falls during the holidays and doesn’t rise again until spring when shoppers use their tax refunds as down payments.

This creates a precious window in Q1 to scoop up any car you like, whether it’s a truck, Tesla or Miata.

– Chris Butsch, The Arizona 100

With eggs selling for a buck a pop and rent costing a kidney, it seems the only thing dropping in price is electric vehicles. Both Ford and Tesla have slashed the MSRP of vehicles like the Model 3 and Mach-E by up to 20%. Why?

In part, it’s to account for falling used car prices and the lower cost of raw materials. But one major motivator for these companies is to gobble up market share before the competition.

Either way, it’s a desperately-needed win for consumers and climate change alike, and there’s never been a better time to go electric.

– Chris Butsch, The Arizona 100

Just as the used car market was starting to cool off, Hurricane Ian swept in, devastated lives, and raised new questions.

Using Hurricane Ida as reference, well over 200,000 cars could be flooded, giving victims of Ian no choice but to enter the market at a bad time. Luckily, Florida dealership networks report surprisingly minor damage. GM is the first carmaker to announce financial aid for hurricane victims and surely won’t be the last, and Manheim’s Used Vehicle Value Index is still on the decline.

Ian may uphold prices temporarily, but the market should still keep falling going into 2023.

– Chris Butsch, The Arizona 100

Shopping for auto insurance can be confusing. Consult this primer when comparing policies:

• What’s a deductible? The flat fee paid, out of pocket, when a claim is filed. The higher the policy the lower the deductible (and vice versa).

• What’s full-coverage insurance? The trifecta in coverage includes liability (covers medical care and property damage), collision (covers vehicle repair or replacement) and comprehensive (for non-accident related damage like theft, vandalism or natural disaster).

• Whose policy pays? Post accident, the carrier representing the party at fault typically foots the bill.

Read on to learn more. In the meantime, shop (and drive) wisely.

– RightSure, The Arizona 100

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) will host its fourth Every Day Counts webinar on Wednesday, July 13, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Transportation experts will present on several topics including Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP), Pavement Preservation, Road Weather Management and Resiliency in Asphalt and Concrete Pavement.

These webinars started in an effort to support the EDC program as it implements innovations within the industry. ODOT hosted previous webinars covering EDCs 1-3 and they are available online. For more information about EDC-4 innovations, visit the FHA website.

Register today and invite your colleagues to stay updated on Oklahoma transportation innovation.

– Carolyn Taylor, Jones PR

The annual Oklahoma Aerospace Forum, sponsored by Oklahoma ACES, returns to Oklahoma City this fall. The forum is exclusive to individuals working in the aerospace and aviation industry in Oklahoma and will be held Tuesday, Nov. 1 at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel.

The Oklahoma Aerospace Forum is an opportunity for attendees to hear from industry experts on the current state of aerospace in Oklahoma, emerging technologies, workforce development and more with plenty of networking throughout the event. Speakers, topics and the schedule will be announced soon.

Tickets are now available at https://bit.ly/2022OkAeroForum.

For sponsorship information, email ashley@jones.pr.

– Ashley Glass, Jones PR

The Corvette finally going hybrid is like Ron Swanson becoming a vegetarian. It’s certainly not a bad thing and it’ll prolong its lifespan, but man, does it signal the end of an era. 

With gas-only cars facing extinction, which one will be remembered most fondly? Will it be classic American muscle like a Mustang Boss 302? Or a modern classic like a Lexus LC 500? 

My bet is something right in the middle. The elusive BMW 1M is widely considered to be the purest, best-driving BMW ever. Toss in a manual transmission and you’re looking at internal combustion’s Mona Lisa. 

– Chris Butsch, The Arizona 100

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) will host its third Every Day Counts webinar on Tuesday, May 24, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Transportation experts will present on several topics including Road Diet: Local Government Involvement, Ultra High-Performance Concrete, Data-Driven Safety Analysis and Knowledge Management.

Every Day Counts (EDC) is a state-based model that identifies and deploys proven, yet sometimes underutilized innovations – saving time, money and resources that can deliver more projects.

ODOT hosted previous webinars covering EDC 1 and EDC 2 recently and they are available online.

Register for this event to stay updated on innovation in our state’s transportation efforts.

– Cassidy Littlewood, Jones PR

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority assigned a dozen engineering design teams to start work on specific projects throughout the ACCESS Oklahoma program. These assignments trigger the beginning of preliminary studies and initial designs. The ACCESS Oklahoma website also includes regular updates like podcast episodes and weekly Top 5 FAQs.

Public meetings have been set for community information at the Noble High School Commons Area on Thursday, April 14 from 6-8 p.m.; Newcastle Public Schools Administration building on Monday, April 18 from 6-8 p.m.; Norman Central Library on Tuesday, April 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Moore Public Library on Thursday, April 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

– Kim Terry, Jones PR

The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC) will host the annual AERO Oklahoma Aviation, Aerospace & Defense Awareness Day at the State Capitol on March 30. The event recognizes Oklahoma’s aviation, aerospace and defense industry as a vital economic engine for our state.

AERO Oklahoma is the industry’s largest gathering in aviation and aerospace, the state’s second-largest economic engine and fastest-growing industry.

Attendees will hear from various speakers throughout the day, including House Speaker Charles McCall and Gov. Stitt.

AERO Oklahoma will be held at the State Capitol from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information or to register, visit https://bit.ly/AeroOklahoma22.

– Ashley Glass, Jones PR

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will host its second Every Day Counts (EDC) webinar on Thursday, March 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. Transportation experts will speak on several topics including the geometrics of intersections and interchanges, the use of high friction surface treatment and intelligent compaction on pavement and new ways of using Geographic Information System Mapping across the industry.

EDC is a state-based model that identifies and deploys proven, yet underutilized innovations – saving time, money and resources that can be used to deliver more projects.

The webinar will be held online and registration is free. Interested participants can register online.

– Carolyn Taylor, Jones PR

ACCESS Oklahoma, which stands for Advancing and Connecting Communities and Economies Safely Statewide, is a $5 billion, 15-year long-range plan that identifies and addresses ongoing highway infrastructure needs to improve access to communities across the Oklahoma turnpike network.

There are eight projects included within ACCESS Oklahoma that improve the safety and security of Oklahoma’s turnpikes, create alternative routes for travelers (which helps decrease congestion and travel time) and enhance the access to jobs and commerce in our state.

To learn more about the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s initiative, read about each of the individual projects and connect with OTA representatives, visit AccessOklahoma.com.

– Carolyn Taylor, Jones PR

Oklahoma moved from No. 9 in the nation to No. 7 among states with the lowest percentages of structurally deficient bridges on the highway system in 2020. 

With more than a decade of continuous improvement, Oklahoma only has 67 structurally deficient bridges remaining in its system. The remaining bridges are either under construction or scheduled for replacement or rehabilitation in ODOT’s 8-Year Construction Work Plan.

“The last thing we need is dangerous bridges,” Association of Oklahoma General Contractors Executive Director Bobby Stem said. “We are working to improve the traffic flow to make it safer for drivers and avoid collisions.”

– Jeanine Bertou, Jones PR

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) will host the Every Day Counts (EDC) 1 Webinar on Thursday, Sept. 30, from 10-11:30 a.m. Multiple industry experts will be indulging in topics such as warm mix asphalt, GRS-IBS bridges, safety edge and railway and pedestrian safety.

This online event is free and open to contractors, engineers and anyone interested in learning more about the transportation industry’s newest trends. Participation counts towards professional development hours for experienced engineers.

This webinar serves as the first of a series aimed at educating attendees about the Every Day Counts initiatives. Register today!

– Jeanine Bertou, Jones PR