Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1413

Introduced
2/1/21  
Refer
2/2/21  
Report Pass
3/2/22  
Engrossed
3/28/22  
Refer
3/29/22  
Report Pass
4/7/22  
Refer
4/7/22  

Caption

Transportation; creating the Rail Improvements for Economic Development Program Act; creating Rail Improvements for Economic Development Program Revolving Fund; effective date.

Impact

This legislation seeks to address the needs of economic development authorities, cities, counties, and tribal governments, specifically prioritizing those in persistent poverty counties. By bolstering rail access, the program is designed to stimulate economic growth through improved transportation networks, benefiting local economies. Overall, the bill aims to create a more interconnected rail system that can enhance trade and commerce within the state and attract new investments.

Summary

House Bill 1413, known as the Oklahoma Rail Improvements for Economic Development Program Act, establishes a new initiative aimed at enhancing rail infrastructure across the state of Oklahoma. The bill stipulates that the program will provide matching grants to qualified communities for rail improvements that support regional economic development activities. Each grant can be as much as five million dollars, contingent on available funds and a one-to-one match from non-state sources. The program is to be administered by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in consultation with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB1413 appears to be positive, with supporters viewing it as a crucial step towards facilitating economic development in underserved areas. The focus on persistent poverty counties aligns with larger public interests in addressing economic disparities. However, there may also be concerns regarding the allocation of state funds and the efficiency of implementing such a program, particularly in ensuring that the grants reach communities that need them most.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intent to improve economic conditions through rail infrastructure, there may be contention related to funding sources, the criteria for eligibility, and the actual impact of the grants on local communities. Questions arise about how effectively grants will be administered and whether they will truly benefit the intended communities, or if they may inadvertently favor those with more resources to apply and meet matching fund requirements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB1447

Economic development; creating the Creating Oklahoma's Modern Plan for Economic Transformation and Effectiveness (COMPETE) Act; creating the Division on Economic Development, Growth, and Expansion. Emergency.

OK H975

Spcl Economic Development Fund for Rail

OK HB2781

Economic development; creating the Reindustrialize Oklahoma Act of 2025; investment rebate program; creating the ROA-25 Revolving Fund and the ROA-25 Beneficiary Revolving Fund.

OK SB1406

Economic development; creating a rebate program; providing procedures; creating the Water Infrastructure for Economic Development Fund; providing funding. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB4070

County economic development; creating the Rural County Economic Development Act of 2024; County Economic Development Organization; county-option sales tax levy; effective date.

OK SB119

Economic development; creating the Right-to-Start Act. Effective date.

OK SB119

Economic development; creating the Right-to-Start Act. Effective date.

OK SB942

Aeronautics technology; creating the Oklahoma Aircraft Engine Testing Development Grant Program; creating revolving fund. Effective date. Emergency

OK SB942

Aeronautics technology; creating the Oklahoma Aircraft Engine Testing Development Grant Program; creating revolving fund. Effective date. Emergency

OK HB4455

Economic development; creating the Large-scale Economic Activity and Development Act of 2022.

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