Oklahoma Turnpike Authority responds to Attorney General Drummond's request for audit
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority welcomes the opportunity to demonstrate how well it manages its duties and fiscal responsibilities and is always looking ways to improve its processes. OTA values all management perspectives and will certainly work with both the Attorney General and the State Auditor and Inspector.
“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 has appealed the judgement in the Open Meeting Act case.
Audits are part of OTA’s statutory and bond holders’ Trust Agreement requirements that specify an annual financial audit be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. That audit must be performed by an independent firm of certified public accountants of recognized ability and national standing. OTA delivers that audit to the State Auditor and Inspector for review and publishes it on OTA’s website for public viewing. Also available to the public is OTA’s annual budget, bondholders report, sources and uses of funds, and annual comprehensive financial report.
Secretary Gatz has previously discussed the potential of an audit with the State Auditor and Inspector. The OTA is confident the investigative audit requested by Attorney General Drummond will assist in addressing his concerns and clearing up misinformation and operational misunderstandings.
The press conference will be recorded and available online here.
(Editors and News Directors: For questions, please call Oklahoma Transportation Strategic Communications at 405-521-6000.)
Please click everyone's seat belt each and every time you drive. Check www.oktraffic.org for real-time traffic information OTA strongly discourages texting while driving.
