JULY 9, 2024  |  Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation

Neal McCaleb, the president of Transportation Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation (TRUST), issued the following statement following the passing of former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe:

"The members of TRUST, along with surface transportation advocates and professionals from across Oklahoma, mourn the passing of a true giant in Oklahoma public service, Jim Inhofe.  Senator Inhofe was a decades long advocate for modernizing Oklahoma's surface transportation infrastructure and our citizenry is better off for it.  He was instrumental in focusing crucial federal dollars for a myriad of highway and bridge improvement initiatives, including major interstate projects.  Senator Inhofe always answered the bell  to support Oklahoma's transportation sectors. Several years ago, TRUST was honored to present him with our highest honor, the TRUST Guardian of Transportation Award.  We extend condolences to his wife, Kay, their children, grandchildren and entire family."  

TRUST is an advocacy group dedicated to restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure.

We are committed to creating a culture within Oklahoma government that values and adequately

funds transportation as a core priority. Since 2005 TRUST has grown into a diverse coalition of

statewide organizations representing banking, energy, agri-business, construction, chambers of

commerce, public safety, transportation and concerned citizens. To learn more please visit

restoreTRUST.org.

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OCTOBER 3, 2023  |  Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, October 3, 2023 – The president of Transportation Revenues Used

Strictly for Transportation (TRUST) said today his organization plans to ask the Oklahoma

Legislature to consider raising the cap on the annual ROADS Fund allocation to the Oklahoma

Department of Transportation (ODOT) in order to combat inflation projections that could likely

eliminate projects on the department’s ongoing Eight-Year Highway and Bridge Construction

Work Plan.

Neal McCaleb said, “Inflation over the past two years has impacted all levels of society,

including the transportation industry, and it is projected to continue for the foreseeable future.

ODOT is routinely experiencing 30% less purchasing power as it relates to highway and bridge

construction and maintenance as well as manpower and materials. In many cases, it is more than

30% and at its current pace could certainly eliminate projects from the Eight-Year Plan.”

The ROADS Fund is currently capped at $590 million annually and is the main funding

component of the Eight-Year Plan.

“The ROADS Fund allows ODOT to continue to make tremendous progress across Oklahoma,

however without an inflation adjustment, many crucial projects will slow or incur lengthy delays

in a best-case scenario in addition to eliminated projects,” McCaleb said. “The members of

TRUST request the Legislature strongly consider an adjustment to the ROADS Fund cap during

the 2024 regular session. Inflation is not going anywhere and the state of Oklahoma cannot

afford to ride it out when it comes to advancing and maintaining its most valuable asset, the

state’s surface transportation infrastructure system.”

-end-

TRUST is an advocacy group dedicated to restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure.

We are committed to creating a culture within Oklahoma government that values and adequately

funds transportation as a core priority. Since 2005 TRUST has grown into a diverse coalition of

statewide organizations representing banking, energy, agri-business, construction, chambers of

commerce, public safety, transportation and concerned citizens. To learn more please visit

restoreTRUST.org.

​

APRIL 12, 2023  |  Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, April 12, 2023 – Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For
Transportation (TRUST), an advocacy group dedicated to funding and restoring Oklahoma’s
surface transportation infrastructure, presented its eighth Guardian of Transportation award to
former Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin during its Transportation Innovation Forum held
Wednesday at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. Fallin, a former state
representative (1990-1994), Lt. Governor (1995-2007) and U.S. Representative (2007-2010),
was elected governor in 2010 and served two terms, (2011-2019) after being re-elected in 2014.
She was a staunch supporter of advancing Oklahoma’s surface transportation infrastructure,
including the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) Driving Forward plan which began during
her second term and has completed projects on the Gilcrease Expressway and the Muskogee,
Turner, Kilpatrick and Kickapoo Turnpikes. During the Fallin administration highway and
structurally-deficient bridge improvement projects, along with legislative support, allowed the
Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Eight-Year Construction Work Plan to
accelerate statewide by reversing years of diverting transportation project and maintenance
funding. TRUST president Neal McCaleb, former Secretary of Transportation and ODOT/OTA
Executive Director, said the award is presented to an individual that exemplifies excellence in all
areas of the transportation industry.
“When TRUST presents the Guardian of Transportation award there are always numerous
deserving recipients who have helped lead the charge in placing transportation funding where it
should be, as a core priority of state government, and Governor Fallin is certainly one of them,”
McCaleb said. “During her two terms as chief executive there was never a time when Governor
Fallin was not ready to lend her support and the weight of her administration to improving
Oklahoma’s surface transportation infrastructure. There were certainly challenges, particularly
with regards to tough budget years, however through those challenges Governor Fallin never
took her sights off the importance of building a modern, safe network of highways and bridges in
all 77 counties. Furthermore, she has been an outspoken advocate of the mission of TRUST
which is to ensure transportation revenues are used strictly for transportation purposes. It is an
honor for TRUST to present our Guardian of Transportation award to Governor Fallin.”

Over 175 TRUST members and transportation industry advocates attended the forum which
featured keynote remarks from Oklahoma Fourth District U.S. Representative Tom Cole,
chairman of the House Rules Committee, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee
and chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. Cole was
introduced by former Oklahoma Governor and TRUST co-chairman Frank Keating.
Past recipients of the Guardian of Transportation award include the late Gary Ridley (former
Secretary of Transportation and ODOT/OTA Executive Director), former Governor George Nigh
(1979-1987), former state Representative Mark Liotta, the late Tom Love (TRUST founding
member), former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, former Speaker of the House and current Corporation
Commissioner Todd Hiett and former Speaker of the House and Secretary of State Chris Benge.

-30-

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TRUST is an advocacy group dedicated to restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure.
We are committed to creating a culture within Oklahoma government that values and adequately
funds transportation as a core priority. Since 2005 TRUST has grown into a diverse coalition of
statewide organizations representing banking, energy, agri-business, construction, chambers of
commerce, public safety, transportation and concerned citizens. To learn more please visit
restoreTRUST.org.

​

Dec 22, 2022  |  Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, December 22, 2022 – Neal McCaleb, President of Transportation
Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation (TRUST) and former Secretary of Transportation and
Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike
Authority, issued the following statement this afternoon on the passing of former Secretary of
Transportation and ODOT/OTA Executive Director Gary Ridley.
 

“Oklahoma has lost a model public servant, gentleman and friend in Gary Ridley. Gary and I
shared very closely the same career path albeit a few years apart. He was the consummate public
servant who worked tirelessly, mostly behind the scenes, to better Oklahoma’s surface
transportation infrastructure. He was an engineer by trade and an expert in bringing parties
together, whether at the state or U.S. Capitals, to continually push highway and bridge
improvement forward in Oklahoma. Upon his retirement, Gary joined the board of TRUST and
his counsel, support and involvement with our organization was felt wide and far. Many men
and women have served Oklahoma admirably within the public sector. Gary Ridley is at the top
of the list. The members of TRUST send our heartfelt sympathies to Gary’s wife, Eula, their
children and his entire family. Rest in Peace.”

​

TRUST is an advocacy group dedicated to restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure.
We are committed to creating a culture within Oklahoma government that values and adequately
funds transportation as a core priority. Since 2005 TRUST has grown into a diverse coalition of
statewide organizations representing banking, energy, agri-business, construction, chambers of
commerce, public safety, transportation and concerned citizens. To learn more please visit
restoreTRUST.org.

​

​

Aug 1, 2022  |  Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – August 1, 2022 – Transportation Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation (TRUST) commended the Oklahoma Department of Transportation today for attaining a #5 national ranking for overall bridge conditions as rated by the Federal Highway Administration for 2021. Oklahoma was previously ranked #7 in 2020 and #9 in 2019. 

“This is a fantastic achievement for ODOT and the state of Oklahoma,” said TRUST President Neal McCaleb. “Less than 20 years ago, Oklahoma was at the bottom of these rankings but due to the commitment of the Legislature, former Governors Henry and Fallin, and Governor Stitt, ODOT has made remarkable progress in addressing not only our structurally-deficient bridges but overall bridge maintenance and improvements throughout Oklahoma’s 77 counties.”

Only 47 bridges on the state highway system, less than 1%, rank as structurally-deficient today, and each are contained in ODOT’s ongoing Eight-Year Construction Work Plan for replacement or rehabilitation by 2029.

The #5 ranking applies to the bridges on Oklahoma’s highway system maintained by the state, which includes interstates, U.S. highways and state highways.

-end-

TRUST is an advocacy group dedicated to restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure.  We are committed to creating a culture within Oklahoma government that values and adequately funds transportation as a top priority. Since 2005 TRUST has grown into a diverse coalition of statewide organizations representing banking, energy, agri-business, construction, chambers of commerce, public safety, transportation and concerned citizens. To learn more visit restoreTRUST.org

Contact: John Cox, TRUST communications director, 405.255.8117, jdcox@cox.net

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Aug 13, 2020  |  Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation

The president of Transportation Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation (TRUST), issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation that they have earned a top ten ranking (#9) in the Federal Highway Administration’s 2019 state bridge rankings. Neal McCaleb said, “The Federal Highway Administration’s top ten recognition of Oklahoma’s state bridge infrastructure is applauded by TRUST. On behalf of our membership, I commend the ODOT staff, and the countless number of present and former legislators, governors, state transportation officials and the private sector who all have played a key role in contributing to this very significant recognition. This is a proud day for the state of Oklahoma, and is evidence of what a targeted and committed investment program can accomplish.”

​

Contact: Neal McCaleb, 405.740.3533
RestoreTRUST.org

Jan 31, 2020  |  Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation

Eight-year highway and bridge construction plan top priority

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Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation (TRUST), an advocacy group dedicated to funding and restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure, announced its 2020 legislative agenda today with protection of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) eight-year highway and bridge construction plan once again its top priority.

While the final FY21 budget will not be finalized by the legislature until the final days of the legislative session, TRUST leaders emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in Oklahoma’s highways and bridges.

“Since 2006, the legislature has steadily invested in Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure, most notably upgrading and modernizing bridges and highways across the state, and taxpayers are enjoying the benefits,” said TRUST president Neal McCaleb, former state transportation secretary and director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. TRUST continues to be an active participant at the state Capitol, and our members have worked closely with the legislature to make genuine progress to modernize our highway and bridge infrastructure. The legislature and executive branch deserve much credit for their vision and support.”

TRUST co-chairman and former Governor Frank Keating commented, “Having a first-rate transportation infrastructure system grows an economy. That is a fact. Oklahomans have benefitted from a steady re-investment of our highways and bridges, however major projects, such as addressing our two-lane state highways, are needed across Oklahoma. I firmly believe transportation investment should always be a core priority of the legislative and executive branches, and I am confident the legislative leadership and Governor Stitt will continue to recognize its vital importance as well.”

“Transportation investment is not an overnight process, and past budget challenges created a challenging environment at the state Capitol,” said Kell Kelly, TRUST co-chairman. “In order for Oklahoma’s transportation system to continue to progress TRUST members will again advocate to the legislature that all transportation-derived revenues, such as motor fuel taxes and motor vehicle fees, be allocated strictly for transportation purposes. From addressing state and county surface infrastructure needs to advanced development of our turnpike system to continued highway safety improvements, Oklahoma is moving in the right direction, however we cannot lose sight of the future. Economic development competition from our neighbors is always present. Private sector businesses locate in states with where its transportation system allows growth and profit. Oklahoma’s location allows easy access to either coast, however businesses will shy away if our transportation network does not keep pace with Texas and other progressive states. I urge Governor Stitt and the legislature to continue their support of the current infrastructure plans which are allowing Oklahoma to invest in a true 21st century transportation network.”

The TRUST agenda also includes restoring monies to the CIRB fund for county highway and bridge needs, restoring all motor fuel taxes and motor vehicle fees to transportation programs, completion of Oklahoma’s new ports-of-entry (weigh stations), formulating equitable, but not punitive, alternative transportation funding and long-term funding of the federal Highway Trust Fund.

Dec 19, 2018  |  Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation

The president of TRUST (Transportation Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation), Neal McCaleb, issued the following statement regarding the State Board of Equalization meeting held this morning at the state Capitol.“



Based on the preliminary budget report from the State Board of Equalization, the members of TRUST are very encouraged by the amount of additional road user dollars allocated to ongoing surface transportation infrastructure projects within the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s Eight-Year Highway and Bridge Construction Plan.  A modern and safe surface transportation network is vital to growing Oklahoma’s economy, and today’s report keeps the needle moving in that direction.”



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TRUST is an advocacy group dedicated to restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure.  We are committed to creating a culture within Oklahoma government that values and adequately funds transportation as a core priority. Since 2005 TRUST has grown into a diverse coalition of statewide organizations representing banking, energy, agri-business, construction, chambers of commerce, public safety, transportation and concerned citizens. To learn more please visit restoreTRUST.org.



Contact: John Cox, TRUST communications director, 405.255.8117, jdcox@cox.net

Nov 13, 2018  |  Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation

Transportation Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation (TRUST), an advocacy group dedicated to funding and restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure, announced today that Gary Ridley, former Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation and director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, has joined its board of directors.  Ridley was appointed Secretary of Transportation by Democrat Governor Brad Henry in 2009 and retained by Republican Governor-Elect Mary Fallin in 2010. He served in the position until retiring in June 2017. He retired from ODOT in 2013 after 44 years of service in a variety of positions, including as director from August 2001-March 2013. He also retired as OTA director in March 2013 after serving as director since November 2009.

TRUST president Neal McCaleb, also a former Secretary of Transportation and ODOT/OTA director, said Ridley’s decades of experience and knowledge of the transportation industry will be extremely beneficial to TRUST’s mission moving forward.

“The members of TRUST and our board of directors are ecstatic to have Gary Ridley join our team as we continue to advocate for all transportation-generated revenues be used strictly for transportation purposes and not diverted to other areas of state government,” McCaleb said. “During his time at ODOT and OTA, as well as Secretary of Transportation, Gary was a level-headed voice of knowledge and experience, and played a key role in helping legislators of both parties understand the core importance that a modern and safe surface transportation system plays to Oklahoma’s economy and quality of life. He will be a tremendous asset to the TRUST team.”

Ridley commented, “I am honored to join the TRUST board of directors and the fine Oklahoma businesses, trade organizations and individuals that compose its membership. Since its inception in 2005, the TRUST mission has been straight forward; return transportation-generated revenues to transportation maintenance and construction, and they have been effective to the point of being one of the most highly respected advocacy organizations in Oklahoma. I hope, through my experience, that I can supplement their advocacy efforts in an ongoing effort to place transportation as a core function of state government.”   

TRUST is an advocacy group dedicated to restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure.  We are committed to creating a culture within Oklahoma government that values and adequately funds transportation as a core priority. Since 2005 TRUST has grown into a diverse coalition of statewide organizations representing banking, energy, agri-business, construction, chambers of commerce, public safety, transportation and concerned citizens. To learn more please visit restoreTRUST.org. 

Contact: John Cox, TRUST communications director, 405.255.8117, jdcox@cox.net

Oct 18, 2018  |  Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation

Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation (TRUST), an advocacy group dedicated to funding and restoring Oklahoma’s infrastructure, presented its seventh Guardian of Transportation award to former Speaker of the House and former Secretary of State Chris Benge today during its annual Transportation Innovation Forum held at the Oklahoma History Center.  Benge (R-Tulsa) was elected to House District 68 in 1998 and served as Speaker from 2008-2011. He served as Secretary of State from 2013-2016 and currently serves as chief-of-staff to Governor Mary Fallin.  TRUST president Neal McCaleb, former secretary of transportation and director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, said the award is presented to an individual that exemplifies excellence in all areas of the transportation industry.

"There are many deserving individuals of this award who have contributed to the tremendous progress made to improve Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure, and Speaker Benge is certainly one of them,” McCaleb said. “During his time in the legislature and as Speaker, he was a champion in advocating for transportation to be returned as a core priority of state government, and he played a key role in the advancement of Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure on many levels. His dedication to that cause makes him a natural selection for this award, and it is an honor for TRUST to present our Guardian of Transportation award to him.”

Benge commented, “It is an honor to receive the Guardian of Transportation award from TRUST.  Over the past 12 years, Oklahoma has made tremendous progress in addressing its structurally deficient bridges and highways with capital projects evident across Oklahoma on both the state and county highway systems.  I am proud to have played a role in the advancement of this core state government mission.  It has been an incredible story to see our state move away from a transportation system held together by duct tape and baling wire, to one that brings a modern delivery of infrastructure that will allow our citizens to thrive in a 21st century economy. I am very appreciative of TRUST for this honor.”

Benge joins former Secretary of Transportation, ODOT and OTA director Gary Ridley, former Governor George Nigh, Workers’ Compensation Commission Chairman and former state Rep. Mark Liotta, TRUST co-founder and former Oklahoma Transportation Commission Chairman Tom Love, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe and Corporation Commissioner and former Speaker of the House Todd Hiett as a recipient of the annual award.

A crowd of nearly 175 TRUST members, transportation officials and advocates, state legislators and elected officials attended the event which featured ‘fireside transportation chats’ with gubernatorial nominees Kevin Stitt and Drew Edmondson.  

TRUST is an advocacy group dedicated to restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure.  We are committed to creating a culture within Oklahoma government that values and adequately funds transportation as a core priority. Since 2005 TRUST has grown into a diverse coalition of statewide organizations representing banking, energy, agri-business, construction, chambers of commerce, public safety, transportation and concerned citizens. To learn more please visit restoreTRUST.org.

Feb 6, 2018  |  Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation

Eight-year highway and bridge construction plan top priority

Transportation Revenues Used Strictly For Transportation (TRUST), an advocacy group dedicated to funding and restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure, announced its 2018 legislative agenda today with protection and full funding of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) eight-year highway and bridge construction plan once again its top priority. TRUST leaders are also advocating for a six-cents per gallon gasoline and diesel excise tax increase with 100% of revenues “lock boxed” to continue rehabilitating the state and county transportation systems.    

“Over the last eleven years, the Oklahoma Legislature has consistently invested in Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure which has allowed sizable modernization of bridges and highways across the state, and the driving public is enjoying the benefits,” said TRUST president Neal McCaleb, former state transportation secretary, ODOT and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority director.  TRUST has been an active voice at the state Capitol since 2006, and our members have worked closely with the legislative and executive branches to make genuine progress in improving our transportation infrastructure systems. The Legislature and Governor Fallin deserve praise for their vision and support, however it is imperative transportation remain a core funding priority, and the sweeping of transportation-generated funds cease this session.”

TRUST co-chairman and former Governor Frank Keating commented, “Having a modern and safe transportation system grows an economy while providing an infrastructure network to move product to market. Despite recent budget challenges, transportation investment should always be among the very top priorities of the legislative and executive branches. Oklahoma’s economy depends on it.”

“Transportation investment is a multi-year undertaking, and continued budget deficits have created a challenging funding and political environment at the state Capitol,” said Kell Kelly, TRUST co-chairman. “TRUST members will continue to advocate this session to the Legislature that all transportation-generated revenues, such as motor fuel taxes and motor vehicle fees, must be allocated strictly for transportation purposes.  From addressing state and county highway and bridge needs to construction of new ports of entries to development of our turnpike system, Oklahoma is moving in the right direction, however we cannot allow transportation to take a back seat.  Oklahoma’s largest asset is its transportation infrastructure system, and it simply must be protected and advanced. Economic development competition is ever present with private investment locating where a proactive vision is present, and where a transportation system allows growth and profit. Oklahoma’s location allows easy access to either coast, however businesses will shy away if our transportation network does not keep pace with Texas and other progressive states.  The state must continue to invest in a true 21st century transportation network for Oklahoma.”

The TRUST agenda also includes completion of the statutory allocation to the ROADS fund, restoring diverted funds from the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges (CIRB) fund, support of bond financing to complete critical projects, restoring all motor fuel taxes and motor vehicle fees to transportation programs, completion of Oklahoma’s new ports-of-entry (weigh stations), formulating an innovative, equitable and alternative transportation funding plan, long-term funding of the federal Highway Trust Fund and support of the Indian Reservation Roads Program.

TRUST is an advocacy group dedicated to restoring Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure.  We are committed to creating a culture within Oklahoma government that values and adequately funds transportation as a core priority. Since 2005 TRUST has grown into a diverse coalition of statewide organizations representing banking, energy, agri-business, construction, chambers of commerce, public safety, transportation and concerned citizens. To learn more please visit restoreTRUST.org.

Contact: John Cox, TRUST communications director, 405.255.8117, jdcox@cox.net