The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard oral arguments Monday in a challenge to the turnpike authority's application to issue bonds.
Pikeoff OTA is challenging the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's (OTA) application for a revenue bond not to exceed $500,000,000.
In a rare move, the hearing was live streamed, something not often seen as cameras are typically not allowed in the courtroom.
Monday's oral arguments hearing started with opening statements.
"Words are important, they mean something," said attorney for Pikeoff OTA, Andrew Lester. "This is especially true in the law, especially when we're viewing a piece of legislation."
Both sides argued which statues, acts and sections either justified a new turnpike or was against one.
"The bonds to be issued will fund statutorily enumerated projects and refund outstanding indebtedness from the authority as authorized by section 1705 and 1719 of the enabling act," said OTA's attorney, Jered Davidson.
And after about an hour and half of questions from justices, the first hearing ended.
Because of statewide interest in the turnpike issue, there was limited seating in the courtroom.
When the first hearing ended, Fox 25 talked to one of the attorneys for Pikeoff OTA.
"This is gonna impact peoples lives forever. This is one of those cases where you have to get impassioned and you have to understand and have empathy with your clients," said Pikeoff OTA attorney, Robert Norman.
Fox 25 reached out to the OTA for an interview. They declined, but sent this statement:
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority appreciates the Oklahoma Supreme Court taking the time to hear the authority’s position in this case and allow OTA to answer specific questions from justices. We look forward to the court’s ruling, which will provide clarity and finality to this issue.
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