Oklahoma Senate
Anderson files objection to Zink Dam bonds with Supreme Court; hearing set for September 26
Sen. Patrick Anderson
Sen. Patrick Anderson has filed a formal objection in the Supreme Court of Oklahoma in an effort stop the issuance of $25 million in state debt. The funds are being sought for the purpose of raising the level of the Zink Dam, which is owned by the City of Tulsa, to develop a park area along the Arkansas River in Tulsa.
Anderson has long objected to the use of state bonds for the project, arguing when the legislature originally authorized the issuance of the bonds in 2009, it was to obtain federal matching dollars to construct a series of low water dams along the river. The project never materialized. Anderson has argued using those same bonds for the Zink Dam project is unconstitutional. He further stated it is an inappropriate use of state tax dollars.
“It is fiscally irresponsible for the state to be spending $25 million on enhancing a city park while we have roads that are falling apart and schools that don’t have enough money to hire the teachers that they need,” said Anderson, R-Enid. “The State Supreme Court is the last line of defense between the taxpayers of Oklahoma and this irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars.”
A hearing on Anderson’s objection has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 26th at 10:30 a.m.
