Ever wonder why the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Board makes the decisions that it does?

As an Oklahoma businessman, I know how important our road infrastructure is to not only the state’s economic growth, but to the sustainability of our nation’s economy. Oklahoma’s integrated transportation turnpike and highway system connects major highways throughout the United States, making travel more efficient and ensuring access for delivery to U.S. markets.

There are many stories and articles out there about how poor the U.S. infrastructure is and how we keep falling behind because of it. I accepted my appointment to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Board to help ensure Oklahoma is part of the solution in doing our part to help fix the country’s infrastructure issues, and to move our state forward as a top location to do business. Along with my fellow board members, we are committed to interfacing toll roads seamlessly with the state highway system, thereby providing a choice for a safe, convenient and efficient user-funded transportation network.

The OTA board consists of six business and civic-minded leaders with strong ties to our Oklahoma communities and a commitment to the people who call this state their home. The work the board does today helps to provide increased safety and future economic opportunities for Oklahomans. The turnpike authority continues to be forward-thinking, looking for ways to improve via the newest technologies and stay efficient for the users of our toll roads.

We know our terms will expire long before we see the completion of some of the current projects, but we’re moving them forward because Oklahomans deserve safe and efficient travel choices. A robust transportation infrastructure enhances our state’s business environment and strengthens the U.S. economy.

Industries throughout the country rely on more than 12,000 miles of Oklahoma highway and 630 miles of turnpikes that serve as a vital connection allowing businesses to deliver products to customers nationwide. About 38% of the turnpike revenue is paid by commercial carriers using our turnpikes to help facilitate their business and keep our local, state and national economy thriving. In addition, the turnpike authority is proud that our toll rates are 60% lower than the national average toll rates on a per-mile basis.

While much has been said about the turnpike authority recently, it’s important to know these key points about the agency and board:

• We will always strive to do what is right, and that means going above and beyond what’s required by law. Laws require the turnpike authority to meet certain requirements for communicating our plans and objectives, but we never want to let that limit what we can do to effectively communicate these to the public.

• We will always do our best to treat you with respect, which means a commitment to transparency. We’ve historically done a good job, but we need to make sure that we do a great job. Our monthly board meetings are open to the public, both in-person and virtually. Meeting times, location and dates can be found on the Pikepass website.

• We are committed to assisting Oklahoma’s economic culture to improve life in our state. As a board, our goal is to ensure the safety of the millions who use Oklahoma’s turnpike system, to improve life for our residents and to see the benefit of economic opportunities created by our decisions for the benefit of Oklahoma.

• The OTA board will always endeavor to choose what’s best for the state. As a board, we’re willing to make difficult decisions, even if they’re unpopular, to create long-term benefits for the current and future residents of Oklahoma and the communities where we live.

• Examination of turnpike authority cost management is welcome. The agency’s policies, procedures and financial operations are highly respected among the top credit rating financial institutions. And the authority does not receive any state appropriations or federal funding. All our revenue is user-generated.

I want to restate: We represent you, the people of Oklahoma. Our board will always make decisions to achieve the long-term goal of safer, less congested and more efficient roadways for the nearly 4 million Oklahomans that we serve.

John D. Jones, a longtime Oklahoma City resident, is chairman of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Board and works in the Oklahoma oil and gas industry.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Guest: Oklahoma turnpike board's goal is safer, efficient roads