Senator Kenneth Corn told a group of concerned citizens today that Senate Democrats understand the importance of The Heartland Flyer, Oklahoma’s only passenger rail service, and told these concerned citizens that Senate Democrats have a plan to save the Heartland Flyer through its 2020 Plan for Bridges and Roads.

“We hear so often of Oklahomans flocking across the Red River into Texas and taking their tourism dollars with them,” Senator Corn said. “It’s time we recapture some of those dollars and start transporting Texans across the border into Oklahoma, and with the Heartland Flyer we can do just that.”

Senator Kenneth Corn, a Democrat from Poteau and Senate Majority Caucus Chair, said the Senate Democrats 2020 Plan for Bridges and Roads is the only plan in the legislature to save the Heartland Flyer by adding $1.1 million dollars to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) budget for operation of the train. He said over the next 15 years the Senate Democrats plan will add close to $2 million each year to the ODOT budget for funds that will be used to permanently continue the operation of the Heartland Flyer.

“In addition to the boost in economic development that the train provides this great state, it also allows Oklahomans to experience alternative modes of transportation,” the Senator said. “And with gas prices at an all time high, it is imperative that we promote the usage of those alternative modes of transportation so it just makes sense to Senate Democrats that there be funding in place to save the Heartland Flyer.”

Corn said unfortunately, the House plan to fund roads and bridges, HB 1218, lacks any funding for the Heartland Flyer and says he does not understand why House leadership has failed to recognize the importance of saving a train that has brought in close to $29 million for economic development in Oklahoma.

“House leadership has failed to recognize the importance of the Heartland Flyer, by taking the operating funds for the passenger rail service out of the General Appropriation bill that Senate Democrats sent them, and completely left out any funding at all for the Heartland Flyer in their own roads and bridges bill,” Corn said. “Senate Democrats will not ignore a service that has made such a huge impact in this state and we fully intend to fight for funds to save the Heartland Flyer.”

For more information contact:
Senate Communications Office- (405) 521-5774