$13.7 million in federal funding received through Absentee Shawnee Tribe and City of Norman partnership for Bridge Replacement Project

The United States Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently announcedthe awarding of $13,793,400 to the Absentee Shawnee Tribe for the Porter Bridge Replacement Project, which will replace the bridge on Porter Avenue over the Little River in Norman. The award is part of a new round of funding through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will allow for the build, repair or modernization of regionally significant bridges in 19 states.

"The 87-year-old bridge cannot meet the load and traffic requirements of the regional transportation network and is prone to flooding," Thursday's press release reads. "If not replaced, it threatens the mobility of people and goods through the region and will impact future economic growth. The project will improve the quality of life for local and regional bridge users."

City of Norman staff worked alongside consultants for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe to complete the grant funding request, said City of Norman Transportation Engineer David Riesland, and it was the only request awarded in the state of Oklahoma.

"We are so grateful for the partnership and support of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe," he said. "They have collaborated with the City of Norman on a multitude of projects over the past two years, which has opened up additional funding opportunities for infrastructure improvements across the community. These joint efforts illustrate their visionary leadership and create a better Norman for everyone."

Leadership of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe was delighted to receive news of the grant funding and said they look forward to seeing the project come to fruition.

"The Absentee Shawnee Tribe is so pleased to be awarded this funding. The tribe is excited to work with the city of Norman on this bridge project. We look forward to helping improve the City of Norman and its community," said Twyla Blanchard, Absentee Shawnee Tribe Self-Governance Director.

The Porter Bridge at Little River is located between Tecumseh Road and Franklin Road. It is owned and maintained by the City of Norman. The bridge was approved for replacement as part of the City of Norman's Bridge by Bridge Propositionin October 2023. The recent awarding of federal funds for this project will now allow bond funding to go further, said City of Norman Interim Public Works Director Scott Sturtz.

"We believe the support of Normanites in passing the Bridge by Bridge Proposition played a positive role in determining where federal grant funding would be awarded in this process," Sturtz said. "We'd like to thank the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and Norman voters for their monumental efforts in ensuring our community infrastructure is prioritized, safe and reliable."

Design of the bridge in underway. Future activities will include continued design, environmental studies and permitting. The bridge is expected to be under construction in 2027. Updates and information regarding this project will be made available for the community at Normanok.gov.

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