"Thanks to a significant donation from the Cherokee Nation, work at the busy intersection of Interstate 44 and 193rd East Avenue will get started two years ahead of schedule, and cost taxpayers a lot less than originally estimated.

State, local and tribal officials held a groundbreaking ceremony near the site on Thursday and praised the cooperative partnership that is making the work possible.

Just think what might be achievable if state, local and tribal officials worked together like this on every project where it was possible.

The road-widening and bridge-replacement work at the site wasn't scheduled to begin until 2011, but thanks to the tribe's donation of about $12 million in right-of-way and money, the $45 million project was moved up two years. Work began last week.

This project is no small undertaking. Both I-44 and 193rd will be widened, and two aging bridges that are becoming more worrisome due to high traffic volume in the area will be replaced."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Big help (The Tulsa World 8/10)

Also Today:
Tribe and state begin $45 million Catoosa road project (The Cherokee Phoenix 8/10)

Related Stories:
Cherokee Nation provides $12M for road work (8/7)