Oklahoma Approves Plan to Sell State Rail Lines Efficiently

Oklahoma has passed a bill aimed at simplifying the sale of state-owned rail lines to improve efficiency and promote private sector growth in the transportation industry. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Senate Bill 341 authorizes the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to issue requests for proposals to sell the state’s rail assets. Interested parties will have 120 days to submit offers.

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After receiving submissions, ODOT will review proposals within 90 days and recommend qualified bids to the Oklahoma Transportation Commission. All agreements, including lease-purchase deals, must receive the commission’s final approval.

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Senator Avery Frix of Muskogee introduced the legislation, with Representative Dell Kerbs of Shawnee leading it in the House. The Senate passed the bill unanimously in February with a 47-0 vote.

On April 28, the House followed suit, approving it by a strong 81-8 majority. Supporters emphasized the law’s potential to attract private investment and strengthen Oklahoma’s rail system statewide.

Frix noted that transferring control to private operators would revitalize local railroads. He said the measure aligns with long-term goals to upgrade infrastructure and expand economic development.

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As of 2021, Oklahoma owned about 150 miles of rail lines, with only 8.2 miles managed directly by the state. The remaining miles were already leased to Class III shortline railroads serving industrial and rural regions.

Lawmakers believe the bill will accelerate project timelines and eliminate delays caused by outdated processes. They argue that modernizing asset sales will reduce red tape and drive freight innovation.

Oklahoma’s legislative move signals a broader effort to involve private capital in transportation upgrades. By reducing bureaucracy, the bill creates new opportunities for job growth and logistics efficiency across the state.

Source: www.trains.com

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