House Bill No. 1132 establishes the Oklahoma Industrial Access Improvement Grant Program, which is designed to provide funding for roadway and traffic engineering projects that enhance industrial access in municipalities with populations exceeding 750,000, as determined by the latest Federal Decennial Census. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) will administer the program, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. The bill outlines the types of infrastructure improvements eligible for funding, including roadway expansions, bridge enhancements, and traffic signal upgrades.
The bill also mandates the development of an application process with specific requirements for applicants, such as project descriptions, economic impact statements, and engineering estimates. Grants will be allocated based on the merit of applications and available funds, with the possibility of establishing matching requirements for project costs. Additionally, the bill creates the Oklahoma Industrial Access Improvement Grant Program Revolving Fund, which will be a continuous fund for the Department to budget and expend for grant awards and operational expenses. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.