AG Drummond requests investigative audit of Oklahoma Turnpike Authority

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond today requested that state Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd conduct an investigative audit of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) 'amid swirling allegations' involving the agency.

“I have had many conversations over the past few months with legislators, community leaders, private citizens and state employees who have expressed a wide array of concerns with the financial conduct of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority,” Drummond wrote in the March 15 letter to Byrd. “These concerns include but are not limited to improper transfers between the OTA and the Department of Transportation; improper contracting and purchasing practices; and inadequate internal financial controls."

In December, a Cleveland County district judge ruled that the OTA had willfully violated Oklahoma’s Open Meetings Act because of vague wording in its January and February meeting agendas.

Drummond said that violation is particularly troubling.

“Such a blatant disregard for openness and transparency suggests to me a willingness to engage in any manner of unlawful conduct,” he wrote.

The Attorney General's letter to Auditor Byrd can be read here.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority responded to AG Drummond's request Wednesday afternoon.

“To be emphatically clear, the Turnpike Authority has the highest regard for openness and transparency and strives to conduct all business in accordance with laws, rules and regulations in every aspect of its duties and responsibilities to the citizens of Oklahoma,” said Secretary of Transportation and OTA Executive Director Tim Gatz.

The OTA says it is confident the audit requested by AG Drummond will help address his concerns and clear up misinformation and operational misunderstandings.