Mike Pearson: Update on various projects‏

Currently the process of grinding up the chip and seal surface of Midwest between Charter Oak and Forrest Hills in preparation for a new asphalt surface has been put on hold. This is due to problems with the asphalt re-claimer machine we were using. We were able to grind up Midwest between Charter Oak and Springridge before the machine broke down, and then bad weather set in. When the weather moderates we will again make arrangements to grind the rest of the two miles.

Logan County Commissioner Mike Pearson

Throughout the winter, except when weather was at its worst, work has continued on the paving project planned for Simmons from Douglas to Midwest. Trees have been pulled from the roadside and after they are hauled off, work to shape ditch areas will begin.

In the past we have been successful in getting several projects funded through the Surface Transportation Program (STP). This is federal money that the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) administers for the five-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Last December we submitted seven projects to be ranked and considered for funding. On January 16 the ACOG board discussed and voted on which projects were to be funded. An amount of $70,659,079 was awarded to ACOG member projects for the five year plan. Due to traffic counts and high accident rates in the large metropolitan areas, counties faired very poorly. Of the more than $70 million allocated, Norman was awarded 39% of the funds, Edmond 22%, Oklahoma City 17%, Midwest 10% and Yukon 5%. Oklahoma County received $582,400.00 for a bridge and we were the only district in Logan County to receive funding, which was $88,400.00 to erect guardrails.

In past updates I wrote about the solid waste cleanup program which enables us to provide a dumpster for the public to use free of charge. We will be ending the service for this year on March 21, 2014.

The dumpster is located at the District 2 county shop at 1550 N. Midwest Blvd. and is available to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Mon. through Fri., except for holidays. If you need to come on Saturday, you can make an appointment by calling the office at 282-3405 or my cell phone at 650-0384. The dumpster is available for solid waste only. Items which will not be accepted include garbage (any kind of food or vegetation), hazardous materials, appliances containing Freon, and rubber tires and liquids.